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Screen & Stage • Film

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice is a 1988 American gothic fantasy comedy film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, Betelgeuse.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Beetlejuice is a 1988 gothic fantasy comedy directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton as the chaotic spirit Betelgeuse. The film follows a deceased couple who try to scare away the living family in their home, with a sequel released in 2024.

What it is

Beetlejuice is an American gothic fantasy comedy film released on March 30, 1988. Directed by Tim Burton, it stars Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse, alongside Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, and Winona Ryder. The screenplay was written by Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren.

Key details

The plot centers on a recently deceased couple who enlist the mischievous spirit Betelgeuse to haunt the new living occupants of their home, leading to chaotic complications. Michael Keaton's performance became one of the film's defining features, and the sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, was released in 2024.

Why it matters

Beetlejuice became a culturally prominent film, establishing Betelgeuse as one of Michael Keaton's best-known roles. Its popularity led to a sequel over three decades later, and the film has had broad popularity in Canada through theatrical releases, home video, and television broadcasts.

In short

  • Michael Keaton plays Beetlejuice in the 1988 film and returned for the 2024 sequel.
  • The plot follows a dead couple trying to scare away living homeowners.
  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a direct sequel released in 2024.
  • The film is a gothic fantasy comedy directed by Tim Burton.
Canadian angle

Beetlejuice has had broad popularity in Canada through theatrical releases, home video, television broadcasts, and the 2024 sequel’s wide international release.

Quick questions

Who plays Beetlejuice?
Michael Keaton plays Beetlejuice, also called Betelgeuse.
When did Beetlejuice come out?
Beetlejuice was released in 1988.
Is there a Beetlejuice 2?
Yes. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a sequel to the 1988 film, was released in 2024.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice
    Supports: Original film release year, director, cast, and basic premise.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/
    Supports: Original film plot summary, release year, director, and cast.
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice_Beetlejuice
    Supports: Sequel status, 2024 release year, and returning cast.
  4. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Keaton
    Supports: Michael Keaton's birth date and age calculation.
  5. Peoplehttps://www.people.com/michael-keaton-reprised-beetlejuice-role-easily-like-possessed-by-demon-8657414
    Supports: Keaton's return for the Beetlejuice sequel.