Jenna Ortega Circling ‘Beetlejuice 2’

Jenna Ortega in Talks to Star in ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel With Tim Burton Directing

The long-gestating sequel would reunite Ortega with Burton, who directed several episodes of Netflix series ‘Wednesday.'

Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday' on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix.

Looks like her experiences –– aside from a few script issues –– on Netflix’s hit ‘Wednesday’ series were positive for Jenna Ortega, who appears to have enjoyed working with Tim Burton, who directed a clutch of the episodes.

Because she’s now looking to reunite with him for the long-in-the-works sequel to his quirksome ghost comedy ‘Beetlejuice’.

According to Jeff Sneider, Ortega is seriously considering a lead role in the new movie, which would continue the story of Burton’s 1988 film, with Michael Keaton also aiming to return as the title character, a mischievous spirit who looks to help ghosts exorcise the living from their homes.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

"The ghost with the most is back."

PG-131 hr 45 minSep 6th, 2024

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After a family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Betelgeuse, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her... Read the Plot

What’s the story so far for the ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel?

Though the original is a popular movie and a favorite from the director’s resume for plenty of people, it has been a long road to screens for the follow-up, which is still not 100% locked down.

The earliest reports of a sequel sprang up in 1990, with word of a movie called ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’, with Jonathan Gems coming up with a concept that blended the circus goth vibe of the character with a beach movie. But Burton’s involvement with the 'Batman' universe sank forward movement on that front, but that wasn’t the end of the potential movie.

In the years that followed, the likes of Kevin Smith, Seth Grahame-Smith and most recently Mike Vukadinovich taking a crack at a script, but nothing that sparked Burton’s interest enough to commit to return to the world of the character.

This Ortega development shows real potential, though, as the actress, who is in demand following last year’s one-two punch of ‘Scream’ and ‘Wednesday’ could help the movie finally get made.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the production is aiming for a late May or early June start of shooting in London, but while we’re sure Warner Bros. would want to get this one moving at last, there is no budget set and neither Burton, Keaton nor Ortega are officially committed. It is, at least, the most positive step forward in a long time.

Ortega recently said this to The Hollywood Reporter about working with Burton:

“It’s been quite an insane experience. I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with an iconic director who just so happens to be one of the sweetest directors I’ve worked with, and also the most detail-oriented.”

Right now, the idea is that Ortega would be the daughter of Lydia (Winona Ryder in the original, who may return for the new movie) but otherwise the story is a mystery.

As for Ortega on the big screen, she’s reprising the role of Tara Carpenter in ‘Scream VI’, which slashes into theaters on March 10th.