The Deetz family is back, and this time, they’re entangled in another supernatural adventure. The portal to the Afterlife, once again, opens, and Astrid, granddaughter of Delia Deetz, accidentally lets the spirits out. Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia, respectively, alongside new cast member Jenna Ortega as Astrid. In a recent conversation with Collider‘s Perri Nemiroff, Ortega and O’Hara discussed their on-screen chemistry and the undeniable family dynamic between their characters.
Ortega described preparing for the Beetlejuice dance as “very messy” compared to her experience with the Wednesday dance. Both actresses praised each other’s work, with Ortega commending O’Hara for being “open” and “fun” to work with, while O’Hara appreciated Ortega’s ability to take risks and be “lovely and open.” Catherine O’Hara particularly appreciated the chance to explore Delia’s character further, acknowledging the need to navigate her eccentricities and emotional depth.
Delia’s world was brought to life in a way that felt both charming and surreal, and O’Hara recalled being nervous about a solo scene in the cemetery, which required her to rewrite the speech and overcome her fear of solo performances. Jenna Ortega, relatively new to the acting scene, spoke about the pressure of carrying on Tim Burton’s legacy and introducing his worlds to a new generation. She learned to focus on the joy of working with Burton and being a part of these beloved stories, rather than bearing the weight of responsibility.
As the Deetz family navigates the Afterlife, they must confront their own personal demons and learn to work together to overcome the challenges that come with their newfound reality. Beetlejuice promises to be a wild and wacky ride, full of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. With its all-star cast and Tim Burton’s signature style, this sequel is sure to delight both old and new fans alike.
Ortega praised the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to bringing this beloved story to life, and dubbed the blend of humor and heart what makes the film truly special. As the Deetz family continues to unravel in the Afterlife, fans can expect a thrilling and emotional ride filled with laughter and tears.