Jenna Ortega’s eerie encounter with Beetlejuice: A behind-the-scenes look
A spine-chilling introduction
Meeting a legendary character like Beetlejuice can be a daunting experience, even for seasoned actors. For Jenna Ortega, her first encounter with Michael Keaton in full Beetlejuice regalia was nothing short of a jump scare. During an interview on “The Tonight Show,” Ortega shared her initial reaction to meeting Keaton on the set of Tim Burton’s highly anticipated sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
“He came up behind me,” Ortega recounted. “I was getting a hair and makeup test, and I got a tap on the shoulder. I turned around, and it was a jump scare for sure. He was like, ‘Oh hey, I’m Michael,’ and he had molds peeling off his face.”
Ortega’s candidness about her reaction adds a layer of authenticity to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the film. Her anecdote highlights the surreal nature of working with iconic characters and the unexpected moments that come with it.
The reunion and new faces
The sequel to the beloved 1988 classic reunites Michael Keaton with director Tim Burton and original cast members Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Newcomers to the franchise include Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe. The plot centers on the strained relationship between Ryder’s character, Lydia Deetz, and her daughter, Astrid, played by Ortega.
In an interview earlier this year, Ortega described her character, Astrid, as “weird, but in a different way and not in the way you’d assume.” This intriguing description sets the stage for a complex and layered character that fans are eager to meet.
“The relationship between Lydia and Astrid, my character, is very important,” Ortega explained. “And it’s also really strange because it’s a lot of catching up and putting the pieces together of what’s gone on in Lydia’s life since, which is nice, I think, for anybody who loves the character and is excited to see her again.”
Bringing gothic aesthetics to a new generation
One of the most exciting aspects of the “Beetlejuice” sequel is its potential to introduce the franchise’s gothic aesthetics to a younger audience. Ortega expressed her enthusiasm for this aspect of the project, emphasizing the importance of revisiting “weird, strange, off-putting stories.”
“I feel like studios nowadays, of course, they want people in seats and you’ve got to do reboots or sequels or things like that to get people entwined, but to bring Beetlejuice back — of all of the stories — is so good because people need to revisit weird, strange, off-putting stories again,” Ortega said. “We need to introduce the younger generation that’s always on the phone to new artistic and creative ideas. The weirder you get with it, the more people you can get to see it, I think will probably do a lot for film in general.”
Ortega’s reflections underscore the cultural significance of the “Beetlejuice” franchise and its potential to inspire a new generation of film enthusiasts. The sequel promises to blend nostalgia with fresh, innovative storytelling, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Anticipation builds for the release
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is set to open in theaters on September 6, following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The anticipation surrounding the film is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new ones.
For those who want to catch a glimpse of the film before its release, you can watch the trailer here.
Ortega’s full interview on “The Tonight Show” provides additional insights into her experience on set and her thoughts on the film. You can watch the interview in the video below.
As the release date approaches, the excitement continues to build. The return of Beetlejuice promises to be a cinematic event that will captivate audiences and reignite their love for the bizarre and the macabre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is sure to be a thrilling ride.