Summary
The Beetlejuice franchise has stood the test of time.
The original film remains a cult classic, and 2024’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice proved that audiences are still very much invested in the weird, wild world Tim Burton created.
With the sequel raking in an impressive $451 million globally, fans were thrilled to hear that Beetlejuice 3 was reportedly in development—at least according to producer Mike De Luca.
But recent comments from Tim Burton and Jenna Ortega suggest things may not be so certain after all.
A Surprising Twist from Burton and Ortega
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Tim Burton reacted with surprise to the news of Beetlejuice 3 being in the works.
“Really? Nobody told me. Maybe I’ve been replaced,” he said jokingly—yet his tone cast doubt over the supposed sequel.
Jenna Ortega, who played Astrid in the 2024 sequel, followed up with her own sarcastic remark: “Maybe I’ve been [replaced], too.
Maybe Astrid dies and goes to heaven instead.
They should just take Baby Beetlejuice on tour and send him to Hawaii.”
Burton added, “It took 35 years to make the second one, so by that time I’ll be 105.
I really, really enjoyed making this one… but it’s like trying to recreate the Wednesday dance scene.
I love the characters, but I don’t necessarily see it [continuing].”
He also made it clear that he feels protective of his work: “I feel very proprietary about everything I do, even if I don’t own the characters. When they did the Beetlejuice Broadway musical, I got pissed.”
When asked if she’d return for a third film without Burton directing, Ortega didn’t hesitate: “Oh, I would never. Without him involved, what is it? It is what it is because of Tim.”
What Does This Mean for Beetlejuice 3?
Despite initial reports of development on Beetlejuice 3, these comments throw cold water on those rumors.
Warner Bros. previously waited for Burton to return before greenlighting the second film—so it would be surprising if they moved forward without him for a third.
And with Ortega firmly stating she won’t be involved unless Burton is, it’s unlikely the studio could proceed with the same level of fan support.
That’s disappointing news considering the strong performance of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The film had the second-highest September opening in U.S. box office history and clearly reignited interest in the franchise.
From a financial perspective, a third installment seems like a no-brainer.
Still, without Burton’s creative vision and Ortega’s breakout role, fans may feel any sequel would fall flat.
Perhaps both stars are holding back for a bigger announcement down the line—but for now, Beetlejuice 3 seems more like wishful thinking than a concrete project.
Fans of Beetlejuice will no doubt be disappointed by this development, especially after the long wait for a sequel.
But if Tim Burton and Jenna Ortega aren’t involved, many would agree it’s better to wait than rush a film that lacks the heart and soul of the original.
After all, it took 35 years to get Beetlejuice Beetlejuice—maybe waiting a little longer for the right version of Beetlejuice 3 isn’t the worst thing.