It’s showtime! Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, the 1988 horror-comedy classic, is one of those rare films that blends macabre humor with imaginative visuals and heartfelt emotion. With its offbeat tone, stop-motion effects, and spooky charm, the movie captured the eccentric side of the afterlife and the hearts of audiences everywhere. At its center is an unforgettable ensemble cast whose performances turned Beetlejuice into a pop culture phenomenon. Now, with a 2024 sequel on the horizon, the original stars are returning (with a few new faces in tow) to continue the twisted tale of ghosts, ghouls, and goth girls.
Here’s a look at the iconic cast then and now and what to expect from the return to the Neitherworld.
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton’s performance as the ghost with the most is the stuff of legend. As Beetlejuice, he’s outrageous, vulgar, chaotic, and completely magnetic. Clad in his black and white stripes, Keaton improvised much of the role, creating a character so bizarre and beloved that it’s hard to believe he was only on screen for about 17 minutes. Since then, Keaton has become a celebrated actor across genres (Batman, Birdman, Spotlight), but fans still quote his devilish Beetlejuice catchphrases to this day. In the 2024 sequel, Keaton returns to the role that defined offbeat antiheroes—older, just as unhinged, and ready to wreak havoc once more.
Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz
As the pale-faced, black-clad teenager who could see the dead, Lydia Deetz instantly resonated with misfits and outsiders. Winona Ryder brought a quiet depth and poetic oddness to Lydia, balancing the film’s supernatural zaniness with grounded emotional sincerity. Beetlejuice catapulted Ryder to stardom, launching a decades-long career that includes Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, and Stranger Things. Now, in the 2024 sequel, she reprises her iconic role, reportedly as the mother of a new generation caught between the living and the dead.
Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s Daughter (2024 Sequel)
In the much-anticipated sequel, rising star Jenna Ortega reportedly plays Lydia’s daughter, bridging the generational gap between goth girls and their ghoulish mentors. Known for her standout performances in Wednesday and Scream, Ortega is a natural fit for the Burton universe. Her casting has sparked major buzz, with fans eager to see how her character navigates the weird, wild world of the undead while honoring Lydia’s legacy.
Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz
Lydia’s bizarre, art-obsessed mother Delia is a scene-stealing gem, thanks to the brilliant Catherine O’Hara. Her absurd sculptures and over-the-top personality bring comedy gold to the haunted household.
New Faces, Same Chaos
From Monica Bellucci’s darkly elegant Delores to Willem Dafoe’s eccentric ghost detective Wolf Jackson, the new characters expand the Beetlejuice universe with flair. Justin Theroux adds charm as Lydia’s boyfriend Rory, while Arthur Conti, Burn Gorman, and others bring in quirky, offbeat energy that fits right into the franchise’s spooky, hilarious heart.
Then and Now The Beetlejuice Legacy Lives On
More than three decades after its release, Beetlejuice remains a timeless favorite thanks to its unforgettable performances, twisted humor, and visual flair. The original cast brought authenticity, eccentricity, and heart to a movie that could’ve easily been just camp but became something iconic. With Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder stepping back into their roles and Jenna Ortega joining the madness, Beetlejuice 2 is poised to honor its roots while summoning a new generation of fans.
Whether you’re returning to the ghost-infested attic or discovering it for the first time, one thing’s for sure—the strange and unusual never goes out of style.