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A new chapter for Lydia Deetz in ’Beetlejuice’: Ghosts and glam
In the eagerly anticipated opening sequence of the upcoming sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” audiences will be reacquainted with Winona Ryder’s iconic character, Lydia Deetz, 35 years after their last encounter. Lydia, now a reality show host for a spooky series called “Ghost House,” often finds herself seeing visions of the ever-foul-mouthed demon, Beetlejuice, amidst her audience.
A gothic inspiration
Costume designer Colleen Atwood, a four-time Oscar winner, has brought a fresh yet nostalgic touch to Lydia’s goth-glam aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the legendary mistress of the dark, Elvira, Atwood has crafted an outfit that encapsulates the eerie yet stylish persona of Lydia. She revealed, “We wanted to channel that kind of character for Lydia’s TV show. I found that dress at a thrift store and did some modifications to it; adding some cleavage and changing it up a bit.”
Crafting a timeless collaboration
Atwood’s collaboration with Tim Burton, a renowned director known for his eccentric and visually distinct films, has been a hallmark of her illustrious career. Over the years, Atwood has become Burton’s go-to costume designer, working on over a dozen projects together including classics like “Edward Scissorhands”, “Mars Attacks!”, and the recent Netflix sensation “Wednesday”. Reflecting on her continued partnership with Burton, Atwood expressed her gratitude, stating that she never takes their collaboration for granted.
“When Tim called me about the sequel to the 1988 film, inviting me to his London home, it was an exciting moment. Working on ’Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ gave me an opportunity to revisit beloved characters and reimagine their styles for a new era,” Atwood said.
Reimagining the iconic costumes
Alongside Ryder, original cast members such as Michael Keaton and Catherine O’Hara will also return for this zany supernatural follow-up. Atwood’s approach to resurrecting these characters was rooted in authenticity and growth. “It was about understanding who these people had become over time. It’s like looking through a lens at your family, your weird relatives,” she mused.
Atwood did not design the original outfits for the 1988 film; that credit goes to Aggie Guerard Rodgers. However, for Beetlejuice’s iconic black-and-white striped suit, Atwood created a new version, making it moldier and more aged to reflect his prolonged state in the Afterlife. “He’s a little seedier and a bit older. When Michael and I first discussed the character, he was in really good shape, so I said, ‘We’re giving you a stomach,’ as Beetlejuice has likely been lounging around doing nothing all this time,” she explained.
The art of character transformation
It’s not just about clothes; it’s about storytelling through fabric. Atwood’s ability to transform narratives into tangible costumes is a skill honed through years of experience and a deep understanding of fabric. Burton’s vision and meticulous attention to detail often guided her designs. “He loves to understand fabrics, a lot of which he embraces. I watch his reactions and start building outfits that echo his positive responses,” Atwood shared.
The creative process for designing costumes for the Afterlife characters was particularly collaborative, involving extensive discussions with Burton and the makeup team. They explored numerous ways in which characters might have met their demise, translating these imaginative scenarios into visual costumes. From a person who drowned attempting Houdini’s water torture trick to someone run over by a car or even eaten by a shark, Atwood ensured that the narrative behind each death was immediately apparent. “You have to show how something happened, and you have to see it right away,” she emphasized.
Bringing characters back to life
Atwood and her team’s dedication to creative excellence led to innovative designs that breathe new life into familiar faces. Michael Keaton’s costume for Beetlejuice was aged and molded, reflecting the passage of time in the Afterlife. “We wanted to show that Beetlejuice had been sitting around, not doing much, becoming a bit scruffier,” Atwood explained.
The return of Lydia, Beetlejuice, and other beloved characters promises to extend the legacy of a cult classic while introducing new elements that resonate with today’s audiences. With Atwood’s meticulous costume design and Burton’s visionary direction, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is set to blend nostalgia with fresh creativity, delivering a fantastical experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.
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