Beetlejuice 2, a sequel that’s been stuck in development hell for decades now, could actually be happening.
Brad Pitt‘s production company Plan B has come on board the long-gestating project and ignited hope that cameras could be rolling as early as this year. Plus, with original stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their roles.
The news broke on The Ankler by reporter Jeff Sneider, who pointed out that Alec Baldwin is currently not looking to return.
EXCLUSIVE: Brad Pitt's company Plan B has come aboard to produce BEETLEJUICE 2, which could shoot this summer with original stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder reprising their roles. No Alec Baldwin though… https://t.co/XuCg0XVNdF pic.twitter.com/QeiK3BneUt
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) February 28, 2022
Deadline then confirmed the news, highlighting that while a sequel to the 1988 fantasy-comedy is indeed in the works, it remains in early development at Warner Bros. and no screenplay is attached.
Directed by Tim Burton, Beetlejuice told of how the ghosts of a deceased couple (played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) hire a malicious spirit (Keaton) to drive out the unbearable family that’s moved into their home. Burton was making moves towards a sequel way back in 1990, hiring Jonathan Gems (Mars Attacks!) to pen a script for a follow-up titled Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian.
Plan B, behind hits such as The Departed and 12 Years a Slave, has a busy slate ahead. Among the projects on the horizon for the company: Netflix film Blonde, directed by Aussie helmer Andrew Dominik (Chopper, The Assassination of Jesse James…) and starring Ana de Armas as Marilyn Monroe; an Andy Garcia-starring Latin reboot of The Father of the Bride for HBO Max; and Sarah Polley-directed drama Women Talking, with Frances McDormand, Rooney Mara, Claire Foy and more.
Stay tuned…