Seth Grahame-Smith Says Beetlejuice 2 Script Is Designed To Let Michael Keaton Return

Now that 27 years have lapsed between its predecessor, Beetlejuice 2 will no doubt go down as one of cinema’s long-gestating sequels, joining the likes of TRON: Legacy, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But recently, we’ve seen mounting evidence that director Tim Burton is ready to begin filming the supernatural follow-up in earnest.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, that sequel will be penned by Pride and Prejudice and Zombies‘ writer Seth Grahame-Smith, who spoke recently to the publication and revealed that the script has been designed to allow star Michael Keaton to return as the ghost with the most. In the interview, Grahame-Smith touched upon the potential of a full reboot, but opted against the casting of new characters in fear that it would dilute the magic of the character.

As a matter of fact, this perspective coincides with Burton’s own take on which direction he would like the sequel to go, stating that he can’t imagine anyone else stepping in to replace Keaton in the title role.

“There’s only one Beetlejuice, and that’s Michael. There is a script, and I would love to work with him again. I think there is now a better chance than ever… I miss that character. There’s something that’s cathartic and amazing about it. I think it’s closer than ever.”

As it were, Keaton’s involvement in the sequel appears to be a bygone conclusion. But those of you eager to see the titular, self-proclaimed bio-exorcist placed front and center may be disappointed to hear that the Birdman star wants the screenwriter to adopt a “less is more” approach with his character. Mind you, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when you consider that Keaton’s persona didn’t make an appearance in Beetlejuice until around the halfway point. Plus, this may open up the possibility of having Winona Ryder as the prime focus for the sequel.

Either way, Beetlejuice 2 is still lingering in the nascent stages of development with nary a sign of a release date. Still, you can let us know what you make of Seth Grahame-Smith’s approach in the comments section below.