Tim Burton’s latest film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, hit theaters on September 6, bringing fresh excitement to fans of the original 1988 movie. Alongside the theatrical release, the makers have unveiled an extended version of the sequel that features a cameo of the beloved Maitlands. This addition has sparked curiosity among fans eager to see the return of these iconic characters. However, the creators have now explained why these scenes were initially cut from the final version.
Reasons Behind Deleted Maitlands Cameo
Alfred Gough and Miles Miller, the screenwriters of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, shared insights into the decision-making process during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. They revealed that early drafts of the script included a cameo from Barbara Maitland, played by Geena Davis, but these were ultimately scrapped. According to Gough, there was an extensive back-and-forth discussion with Tim Burton about including the Maitlands in the sequel.
Gough explained, “The problem is they’re ghosts. So they kind of needed to look like they were 35, which was never going to happen.” He further added that the story of the Maitlands, portrayed by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis in the original film, had already been told thoroughly in the first movie. “Tim felt, and Miles and I agreed, that their story had been told. So how do we move on from that?”
The original Beetlejuice introduced audiences to the Maitlands, a couple who die in a car crash shortly after getting married and find themselves haunting their former home as ghosts. Their story became central to the first film, which focused heavily on their attempts to navigate the afterlife and deal with the living Deetz family, leading to the chaotic intervention of Beetlejuice.
Focus Shift to New Characters and Storylines
The creators emphasized that while the Maitlands were pivotal to the original film, the sequel aims to explore new characters and narratives rather than revisiting past ones for the sake of fan service. Gough elaborated, “The first movie is really about the Maitlands. It was really Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis’ movie for a good portion. They’re the protagonists who called Beetlejuice against the Deetz family.” He continued, “Tim wasn’t interested in doing fan service or being slavish.”
With this mindset, the sequel introduces fresh faces, including Jenna Ortega, who takes on the role of Astrid, and Arthur Conti as Jeremy. The plot centers on the Deetz family, spanning three generations, returning to their home in Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Lydia Deetz’s life becomes complicated once more when her rebellious teenage daughter discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife, bringing Beetlejuice back into their lives.
Sequel Receives Praise, Extended Version Satisfies Fans
Despite the initial absence of the Maitlands, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been well-received by audiences, who appreciate the blend of new elements with the nostalgic charm of Burton’s universe. The extended version’s inclusion of the Maitlands cameo has added an extra layer of interest, satisfying fans eager for connections to the original story while respecting the creators’ vision to progress beyond the established characters.
As the movie continues to perform successfully in theaters, fans are enjoying this updated journey through the afterlife with Beetlejuice and new characters, all while celebrating the legacy of the Maitlands in the extended cut. The film’s creative choices highlight a careful balance between honoring the past and crafting a fresh narrative for new audiences.
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