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Winona Ryder’s journey from ‘Stranger Things’ to ‘Beetlejuice 2’: A tale of dedication and passion
Winona Ryder, a name synonymous with iconic roles and timeless performances, recently shared an intriguing revelation during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. When she first met the creators of “Stranger Things,” Matt and Ross Duffer, she had one non-negotiable condition: if “Beetlejuice 2” ever got the green light, she would need a break from the series to film it. The Duffer Brothers agreed, and Ryder was cast as Joyce Byers, a role that would become a cornerstone of Netflix’s original content.
A decade of Joyce Byers
“I am literally on my 10th year playing her,” Ryder mentioned in a video interview for the magazine. “It’s an absolute first for me to play a character for that long. It was huge to say yes to just one episode … they only gave me the pilot episode. I didn’t at the time know what streaming was. It was terrifying in that regard.”
Ryder’s commitment to “Stranger Things” has been unwavering, and her portrayal of Joyce Byers has resonated deeply with audiences. The character’s evolution over the seasons has been a testament to Ryder’s versatility and dedication.
The long road to ‘Beetlejuice 2’
“At the time, Tim [Burton] and I were talking about the ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel,” Ryder continued. “There have been moments over the last 15 years where we thought it was going to happen, but that’s the thing … it had to be perfect with everybody in order for it to happen. I remember at my first meeting with the Duffer Bros. I said, ‘As long as if “Beetlejuice 2” happens you’ll let me go do that.’ They agreed. Luckily it worked out. That was my one condition.”
Tim Burton, the visionary director behind the original “Beetlejuice,” also shared his thoughts with Harper’s Bazaar. He recalled the various ideas that floated around for a sequel after the 1988 film became a cult classic. “‘Beetlejuice Goes to Outer Space,’ Beetlejuice does whatever. There’d been talk about it, but I never really understood why it was popular. And this was when people didn’t talk about sequels.”
Ryder added that there were numerous times over the years when she met with Burton to discuss the sequel, often without her agents’ knowledge. The anticipation and uncertainty surrounding “Beetlejuice 2” were palpable, but the stars finally aligned.
The making of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
It turns out Ryder wouldn’t need to take a “Stranger Things” break in order to finally shoot “Beetlejuice 2,” which is officially titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and arrives in theaters this September after premiering at the Venice Film Festival. The long-awaited sequel was shot between “Stranger Things” seasons, allowing Ryder to fulfill her commitments to both projects.
In “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz. This time, Lydia is a pill-popping widow struggling to connect with her daughter, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega. Lydia hosts a television series called “Ghost House” thanks to her ability to see and speak to the dead, but a rift exists between her and Astrid since the one dead person she can’t connect with is her late husband and Astrid’s father.
The film promises to be a blend of dark humor and emotional depth, much like its predecessor. Fans can watch the trailer and get more information about “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” here.
A reflective journey
Winona Ryder’s journey from “Stranger Things” to “Beetlejuice 2” is a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft. Her ability to balance two demanding roles while maintaining the integrity of each character is commendable. As “Stranger Things” gears up for its fifth and final season, fans eagerly await the return of Joyce Byers and the conclusion of her story.
Meanwhile, the release of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” marks a significant milestone in Ryder’s career, bringing her full circle with a character that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. The film’s exploration of grief, connection, and the supernatural promises to captivate audiences once again.
As we look forward to these upcoming releases, Ryder’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the magic of storytelling. The future holds endless possibilities, and we can only imagine what new adventures await this talented actress.
