Beetlejuice is one of those films that's had a cult following for many years after its release.

The oddball comedy with Tim Burton at the height of his powers and Michael Keaton's anarchic sense of humour proved a huge hit on its release and, since then, there's been endless calls for a sequel since then.

Why it hasn't received a sequel in the interim is a mystery to us, but what's more of a mystery is why we keep hearing that it's happening when, in reality, it isn't. We reported not four months ago that Tim Burton had officially signed on for a Beetlejuice sequel and that all the cast members were due to return, including Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder.

That report, which originally came from Bloody-Disgusting.com, now appears to have been false - or, at the very least, misconstrued. Michael Keaton, who was recently interviewed by Variety, has now poured even more cold water over its chances.

"I think it's possible that ship has sailed," said Keaton. "The only way to do it is to do it right... So much of it was improvised and so much was beautifully handmade by the artist that is Tim Burton. If you can’t get close to that, you leave it alone."

To be fair, Keaton raises a very salient point. It's hard to imagine a film like Beetlejuice being made into today's world. For one, it was hugely improvisational and completely off-the-wall and major studios aren't willing to risk the capital for something that was, admittedly, a fluke the first time around.

That's not to dismiss the chances of a sequel working, however. Winona Ryder is on the cusp of a second wind, thanks to Netflix's Stranger Things, whilst Michael Keaton is a hair's breadth away from getting an Oscar and this year's The Founder might be the one for him.

The only one who, realistically, needs this is Tim Burton as many of his recent efforts have failed commercially and critically. Going back to the well with a Beetlejuice sequel could be the thing he needs to get his career back on track.

Also, we said his name three times in this article so there's still a chance.

 

 

Via Variety