The first-ever CCXP MX kicks off today andTim Burton’s long-awaited sequelBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis bringing the afterlife straight to Mexico City’s doorstep for the occasion. A massive display celebrating the return ofMichael Keaton’s grubby bio-exorcist has popped up at the convention with glowing green neon lights welcoming everyone to take a tour of what lies beyond the mortal realm. Anyone needing to make an appointment with their afterlife caseworker can walk through the entrance to find the Neitherworld waiting room filled with nods to the 1988 classic. For those at home, Collider’s Editor-in-ChiefSteve Weintraubwas able to snap a few photos of the eerie activation during his time touring the event.
Adorned with a big neon sign and an arrow pointing to a pair of entrances, it’s hard to miss theBeetlejuice Beetlejuicedisplay when walking the convention halls. The main approach is backed by a glowing white outline of a door reading “Draw a door and knock 3 times” in Spanish,a rule directly from the Handbook for the Recently Deceased used for accessing the Neitherworld whenever a ghost experiences an emergency. On the other side, another entry is adorned with a few graves, including that of the miscreant Betelgeuse himself. Once inside, attendees are implored to take a ticket and a seat, potentially next to the pair of severed legs, and wait. Or, if you’re daring, a sign also says to “Say it three times” and summon Betelgeuseback from the grave to cause mischief aplenty.
While the display somewhat retraces the steps of Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis),Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewill focus on three generations of the Deetz family as they gather amid a tragedy. Back in Winter River withher curious teenage daughter Astrid(Jenna Ortega) in tow, Lydia (Winona Ryder) is still haunted by her first encounter with Betelgeuse that nearly ended in her marriage to the titular ghoul. However, it isn’t long before he pops back into her life again after Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife and creates havoc for both realms. Betelgeuse isn’t looking for marriage this time, ashe’s betrothed toMonica Bellucci, but he still has plenty of chaos to sow oncesomeone invites him back to the land of the living.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Looks to Resurrect the Charm of the Original
Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis a long time coming for Burton, but it’s sticking with many of thehallmarks of the originaldespite the years of distance between the films. For one, it containsa “back-to-basics” approach with stop-motion animation, adding to what Burton says is a “homemade” quality that mimics the first film. What has been unveiled of the film so far has mimickedthe vibrant, practical approachof the director’s style, something furtherechoed by Collider’sBritta DeVoreafter seeing footage exclusive to CinemaCon attendees.
On top of everything, the film includes a deep roster of talented actors both new to the franchise and returning.Catherine O’Hararounds out the trio of Deetz women by reprising her role as Delia, solidifying that,at its heart,Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis about family. Other newcomers joining the fray include Academy Award nomineeWillem Dafoeas a B-movie actor turned Afterlife copalongsideJustin Theroux,Burn Gorman, andArthur Conti.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuicehaunts theaters on September 6. Visitour guide herefor everything we know so far about the hotly-anticipated sequel. Check out the display at CCXP in the gallery above.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The sequel to the cult classic brings back the infamous ghost Beetlejuice, who is unleashed upon a modern family, setting off a chain of hilarious and supernatural events. As mischief ensues, both the living and the deceased must deal with the resulting chaos, blending comedic antics with ghostly intrigue.
