“It was like an animal with a gun”: Jenna Ortega Was Completely Dumbstruck after Witnessing Michael Keaton’s Brilliance on Beetlejuice 2 (2024)

SUMMARY

• Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2 starring Michael Keaton will release this fall and is highly anticipated by audiences.
• The film also stars Wednesday actor Jenna Ortega in a pivotal role.
• Ortega revealed that she was completely in awe of Keaton on seeing the way he slipped into his famous character.
• Burton too, was all praise for his lead star and his single-minded focus in transforming into the titular ghoul.

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Michael Keaton has done a wide range of roles over a glittering career, including donning the iconic Batman cape in Tim Burton’s pioneering film on the DC superhero. But it was his other collaboration with Burton in 1988’s Beetlejuice that put him on the map as a star to be reckoned with.

Now, more than 3 decades after the blockbuster hit screens, Keaton is back playing the charismatic titular ghoul who wreaks havoc in Burton’s Beetlejuice 2 which will release in September 2024. The film also stars Jenna Ortega along with Winona Ryder reprising her role from the original. Ortega who saw the Birdman actor in close quarters, was stunned by his ability to transform magically into his character.

Michael Keaton Found An Ardent Admirer In Jenna Ortega On Beetlejuice 2 Set

Reprising an iconic role in a sequel to a blockbuster film comes with high expectations. But Michael Keaton proved that he can seamlessly slip into character under any circ*mstance. The Jackie Brown actor is all set to playfully raise hell once again as his famous character Beetlejuice in Tim Burton’s sequel to the cult 1988 film.

Titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the movie also stars Burton’s other young favorite actor Jenna Ortega who will play the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz. The Wednesday star who worked closely with Keaton on set, was awestruck by her co-star’s ability to transform himself into the character by literally taking off from where he left almost 35 years ago. Speaking to Empire, she said,

It was like an animal with a gun had just walked into the room. To watch him physically change and appear and Michael Keaton to be gone, and for me to be dealing with this Betelgeuse guy… it blew my mind.

Even Burton who was well aware of The Flash star’s capability to immerse himself into his roles, couldnt help but praise his lead actor for his prowess in bringing the green-haired ghoul to life.

It was like he was possessed by a demon, because he just went right back into it.

Keaton’s other co-star and veteran actor Catherine O’Hara who starred in the first film, was also stunned by his commitment to the character and called it ‘insane’. The Batman actor for his part, was confident that the sequel will more than live up to the cult status of the original thanks to Burton’s vision and the efforts of the ensemble cast.

Michael Keaton’s Claustrophobia Almost Ruined His Batman Gig

In 1989’s Batman, Hollywood star Michael Keaton played the celebrated DC superhero in a pioneering effort that was the cornerstone for the character to be developed over the years. His brilliant performance was also the reason for the film becoming a big hit at the box office and gaining appreciation from fans and audiences.

But the behind-the-scenes preparation to get into character was not an easy one for Keaton. The Spotlight star who suffered from acute claustrophobia, was in for a shock when suiting up as Batman for the first time in front of the camera. Recalling his palpitations while getting into the costume, Keaton confessed during the Hollywood Sessions Round Table Series (via Cinema Blend),

I was very claustrophobic. The first time I was locked in [to the outfit], I thought, ‘This is never going to happen, I’m never gonna do it’.

Keaton though, being the professional that he is, channeled his fear of enclosed spaces and used it as a tool to strengthen his mind to focus on his character rather than on the suit. The results, as expected, worked wonders for the film despite the star’s troubles.

Beetlejuice 2 will release in theaters on September 6th, 2024.