Deploy Folding Table of contents
The continuation of the iconic film from the 1980s was only able to debut thanks to a unanimous decision.
Tim Burton has taken the reins to direct Beetlejuice Beetlejuice 36 years after the original’s release. Initially hesitant about revisiting the tale of the notorious bio-exorcist portrayed by Michael Keaton, Burton’s decision to bring the story back to life has proven to be a brilliant move. The film has garnered over $375 million worldwide, rekindling the director’s passion for creating fantastical universes.
The progress of Beetlejuice 2 faced multiple delays, primarily due to the concerns of Warner Bros regarding the film’s budget, which they deemed excessively high. At one point, the studio proposed that the film be released directly on a streaming platform, but a financial agreement between the director and the cast helped steer the project towards a theatrical release.
Jenna Ortega Among the Stars Who Helped Slash $48 Million Off the Budget
The film’s original budget stood at an astonishing $147 million, a figure that Warner Bros considered too extravagant. The studio favored the idea of a direct launch on the Max streaming service. Naturally, Burton swiftly turned down this proposal, as he is accustomed to having his works displayed on the big screen.
Warner Bros
Given the circumstances, the director of Edward Scissorhands needed to devise a strategy to prevent a streaming. Ultimately, he decided to cut production costs to persuade the studio of the film’s viability, but he required assistance from the cast to achieve this. By forgoing part of their salaries, Burton alongside stars Jenna Ortega, Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara managed to bring the budget down to $99 million.
Will There Be Another Sequel Featuring Jenna Ortega?
In return for their sacrifices, the cast signed what is known as a “back-end” deal, ensuring they would receive a small percentage of the film’s profits. While the exact figures from the film’s earnings remain undisclosed, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has enjoyed tremendous success. It’s clear that without the willingness of the lead actors to reduce their pay, fans would not have been able to witness the beloved Deetz family back in action.
The blend of nostalgia and new talent in this project is a testament to how classic tales can be revitalized for modern audiences. Though the financial hurdles were significant, the collaboration between the director and cast ultimately led to a film that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
