Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Tim Burton explains the absence of Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin in the sequel

Beetlejuice is back! Following an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife accidentally opens. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to wreak havoc of his own.

After a 36-year wait, Beetlejuice is back in theaters with a sequel that will seek to connect with both nostalgic fans and a new audience. To this end, this sequel not only features Merlina star Jenna Ortega in the lead role, but also several talents who were present in the original film, such as Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder and, of course, Michael Keaton in the boots of the titular ghost. However, there are some notable names that are conspicuous by their absence, such as Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, who brought to life the adorable ghost couple, Adam and Barbara.

In a recent interview, Tim Burton explained why the actors will not be part of the cast this time around. “I think for me the important thing was not to limit myself. So even though they were such an incredible integral part of the first one, but now I was focusing on something else,” the film’s director acknowledged. “A sequel like this was all about the era… That was my hook, the three generations of mother, daughter and granddaughter. And that’s the core of it. I couldn’t have done this personally in 1989,” he added.

Earlier this year, Geena Davis shared her own theory about why Adam and Barbara aren’t returning for Beetlejuice. “I’m not in the remake. Oh, were you expecting me to be in it? Yeah, but I don’t… you know what? My theory is that ghosts don’t age… Not that I have,” she joked.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice takes three generations of the Deetz family back to Winter River

As Burton previewed, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice brings three generations of the Deetz family back to Winter River following a family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s (Ryder) life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Ortega), discovers the mysterious model of the town hidden in the house and accidentally opens the portal to the ‘Afterlife.’ With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time before someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, before the peculiar ghost returns and unleashes his own havoc.

In addition to the aforementioned stars, newcomers also include actors Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits theaters in Argentina on September 5.