“I had no idea what he was talking about…”: The Only Reason Michael Keaton Agreed to Move Forward With Beetlejuice Despite Having Zero Clue of What the Movie Was

SUMMARY

• Michael Keaton reprises his role as Beetlejuice in Tim Burton's upcoming 2024 film.
• The actor revealed he agreed to star in the 1988 movie without knowing the story.
• Keaton had an easy experience stepping back into his Beetlejuice role for the sequel.

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Beetlejuice is one of Tim Burton’s most unforgettable masterpieces, thanks to Michael Keaton’s epic portrayal of the titular character. The actor, known for his roles as Batman and Vulture, admitted he didn’t know anything about Beetlejuice when he joined the project.

Credits: Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice / Warner Bros. Pictures

It’s quite intriguing how an actor would say yes to a movie without even reading the script or having a vague idea of what it is about, but Keaton trusted Burton so much he agreed to do it in a heartbeat.

Michael Keaton Said Yes To Beetlejuice Without Knowing The Story

Michael Keaton returns this year for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, one of the most highly anticipated projects that boasts an ensemble cast. With the actor’s star power alongside Jenna Ortega and the ever-talented Winona Ryder, it is certainly going to be a major blockbuster.

Fans should expect Beetlejuice to have a more reduced exposure this time as Keaton confessed he agreed to reprise his role so long as the story no longer revolves around him. However, the original 1988 movie revolved around his character. In an interview with Charlie Rose, the actor said he didn’t have any clue as to what he was going to play.

Director Tim Burton approached Keaton for the role but the latter said, “I had no idea what he was talking about.” He confessed to not understanding what the filmmaker was telling him because even Burton found it difficult to explain what Beetlejuice was about.

Credits: Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice / Warner Bros. Pictures

Despite so, the Spider-Man: Homecoming star agreed to do the project simply because he liked Burton. They talked several times, and Keaton just couldn’t help but tell himself how much he liked the director. After a day or two, he was already firmly convinced that he wanted to take part in Burton’s project.

The next thing Keaton knew, he was already calling for the wardrobe department to brainstorm on Beetlejuice’s costume. He recalled everything Burton told him about the character – about existing in all times and spaces and someone living under a rock – to help him decide what appearance he would showcase in the film. It became a collaborative effort between the actor and the director, and that’s how we got the iconic Beetlejuice look.

Michael Keaton On Returning As Beetlejuice

Credits: Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice / Warner Bros. Pictures

Stepping back into the world of Burton felt easy for Keaton. He recalled his first half hour on the set and only needed a minute to get his footing as Beetlejuice because the cameras were already rolling. He told E! News that the most challenging part of getting back to his role was “just mostly the energy level and the attitude.”

While the sequel opened for a potential third installment, Keaton confirmed the chances are slim. He doesn’t want to overthink much about it, although he keeps his door ajar for possibilities.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opens in theaters on September 6, 2024.

Written by Ariane Cruz

Articles Published: 2412

Ariane Cruz, Senior Writer. She has been contributing articles for FandomWire since 2021, mostly covering stories about the latest movies and series. With a degree in Communication Arts, she has an in-depth knowledge of print and broadcast journalism. Her other works can also be seen on Screen Rant and CBR.