Tim Burton’s latest film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” has marked a major milestone at the box office, establishing itself as one of his most successful projects to date. Released decades after the original 1988 film “Beetlejuice,” this sequel follows the misadventures of three generations of the Deetz family in Winter River, where Astrid Deetz, played by Jenna Ortega, inadvertently summons the infamous Betelgeuse, portrayed by Michael Keaton. Garnering a generally positive reception from critics, the film has resonated well with audiences, further evidenced by its substantial earnings.
Recently, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” achieved a significant financial feat, grossing $820,000 domestically in its tenth weekend. According to Collider, this brings the film’s total global earnings to a remarkable $450 million. Domestically, it has overtaken “Dune: Part Two”, which grossed $282 million, thus becoming Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing film of the year. For Tim Burton, this success ranks the movie as his third most lucrative, only preceded by “Alice in Wonderland” ($1.025 billion) and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” ($475 million).
The success raises the question: Is a “Beetlejuice 3” on the horizon? While the sequel leaves room for a continuation, and Michael Keaton expressed enthusiasm, saying he’d “do it every year,” there’s no official nod towards a third installment yet. Burton’s reaction in an August Total Film interview suggests he might not be too keen on transforming his quirky narrative into a grand trilogy.
From a production standpoint, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was quite a venture. With a modest budget of $100 million, the film needed to pull in a significantly higher sum to break even, which it did impressively. Its Rotten Tomatoes score stands at 77% from critics and 79% from general audiences, reflecting solid but not groundbreaking acclaim.
The success of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” not only cements it as a box office triumph but also mirrors the enduring appeal of Burton’s uniquely eccentric storytelling. However, expanding the franchise might stretch the narrative beyond its natural boundary. Some critics suggest it might be prudent to end on this high note rather than risk diluting the story’s essence with another sequel.
Closing Credits
As “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” continues to enchant audiences with its theatrical run since September 6, 2024, its influence in Tim Burton’s filmography is undeniable. While fans speculate about a potential third film, the sequel’s current success narrative suggests that this might be Betelgeuse’s last theatrical hurrah—a final curtain call in Tim Burton’s peculiar, yet oddly charming, horror-fantasy world.
