‘Beetlejuice 2’ Update: Michael Keaton Has A Warning For Potential Sequel

A sequel to 1988’s “Beetlejuice” isn’t in the works, but if “Beetlejuice 2” does happen, Michael Keaton has some guidelines.

Speaking with Jess Cagle of People, the Academy Award-nominated actor was asked if he had an update on the film. “I don’t know,” he said. “And I’m not being coy.”

Although there is no sequel in the foreseeable future, Keaton wants to make sure the film is handled correctly. “I just think it’s like a little piece of art that you better get right if you ever do it again. Otherwise, you just kind of don’t touch it,” he said.

It’s been more than 20 years since the original “Beetlejuice” hit theaters but in that time, Keaton and director Tim Burton have not been able to avoid questions about another film. Earlier this year, Keaton said “it’s possible that ship has sailed” when discussing a sequel, and Burton’s response offered even less hope. “It’s not a kind of movie that cries out [for a sequel],” he said.

Burton’s comment was much different than ones he made to IGN in 2014 when promoting his film “Big Eyes.” At the time, the director said he would be totally on board to do another “Beetlejuice” film, as long as Keaton would reprise his role as the titular character.

“There’s only one Beetlejuice, and that’s Michael. There is a script, and I would love to work with him again,” Burton teased. “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.”

While it may prove difficult to get the sequel made, Keaton’s “The Founder” co-star B.J. Novak had one suggestion for the actor: “Have you thought about saying ‘Beetlejuice’ three times and seeing if the movie just appears?”