Michael Keaton has portrayed several iconic characters in his career. So while his portrayals of Batman and Vulture are among the most prominent ones, none have come as close to Betelgeuse in fanfare and pop culture influence! Starring as the charismatic bio-exorcist in Tim Burton’s classic Beetlejuice, Burton’s absurdness and unhingedness led to a one-of-a-kind electrifying performance.
And now, after 36 years, Keaton is set to reprise the role again in the upcoming film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Recently, the actor made an appearance on Hot Ones alone with Betelgeuse and fans can’t seem to have enough of the hilarious promo.
Michael Keaton and Betelgeuse Star in Hilarious Promo For Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
When Beetlejuice hit theaters in 1988, audiences were introduced to a character unlike anything they’d seen before. A performance that defied genre conventions and conventional approach, the film cemented Michael Keaton as an incredibly versatile and fearless actor.
Directed by Tim Burton, the film was a mix of dark comedy, usual Burton-gothic horror, quirkiness, and enough absurdness that made it a treat to watch. Always dressed in a garish striped suit, with wild white hair and full-face ghoulish makeup, Keaton is set to return as Betelgeuse in the film’s sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
In a hilarious promo on ‘Not Ones’, a parody of the hit show Hot Ones, Keaton made an appearance as himself as well as Betelgeuse. Sitting across from each other, Keaton proceeded to ask the eccentric ‘character’ about his life and work, while the latter continued to smear deadly amounts of hot sauce on ribs.
Betelgeuse, in true Betelgeuse fashion, gave some of the most weird answers. When asked to name his influences, he promptly names Napoleon Bonaparte and Justin Bieber. While he describes the ribs as reminiscent of a guy he ate in Seattle, at the end remarks he said,
I’ve got a question for you, who the hell are you?
While Keaton walks away, disturbed and offended, fans have found this promo a brilliant marketing strategy. Labeling it a missed opportunity for Keaton to say ‘I’m Batman’, fans of the franchise are excited to see the upcoming film.
Fans React to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice‘s Hilarious Promo with Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton and Tim Burton’s partnership in Beetlejuice was definitely a match made in cinematic heaven. Thanks to Keaton’s peculiar performance and Burton’s unique vision, the film now sits among several cult classic films of all time. And so while their reuniting after 36 years is a dream come true for many fans, the promos of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice have taken their expectations to the next level.
After the Hot Ones clip went viral on the internet, this is how many netizens and fans of the franchise reacted:
HOLY SHIT I'm gonna have to catch this one
— IllTemperedTuna (@DeveloperPerso3) August 27, 2024
I had mixed feelings on first hearing of this movie. This promo has me so excited to see this movie crash and burn!
— Dritte (@Dritte99) August 27, 2024
He sounds exactly the same. So excited for this
— x24 (@christopherco) August 26, 2024
Was really hoping this was a full episode of Hot Ones but I’ll gladly take it
— Tripp Burnett (@TheTrippBurnett) August 26, 2024
When Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was first announced, many doubted how the film would fare and whether or not the Batman star would be able to recreate his magic. But seeing the promo, it is clear that the legendary actor’s acting chops are just as great and iconic.
So as we buckle up for the film’s release, there is no denying that Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice is an indelible part of pop culture.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be released in the United States on September 6, 2024.