Director Tim Burton recently delved into the reasons behind the absence of the original actors who portrayed the ghostly couple Adam and Barbara Maitland in the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 1988 classic. The sequel, set to premiere on September 6 in theaters, promises to offer a fresh perspective while honoring the spirit of the original.

“I felt it was important not to just check off boxes,” Burton explained to People. “Even though Adam and Barbara were crucial to the first film, my focus shifted towards exploring new dimensions.”

In the original movie, Adam and Barbara, played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, found themselves recently deceased and enlisted the chaotic Beetlejuice, masterfully portrayed by Michael Keaton, to scare away the yuppie family that had taken over their home. This plan goes awry when Lydia Deetz, a death-obsessed teenager brought to life by Winona Ryder, forms an unlikely bond with Beetlejuice, leading to a series of chaotic events that disrupt their Connecticut residence.

Burton emphasized that the timing and generational themes were pivotal for the sequel. “This sequel is really about capturing the essence of time and generational dynamics,” Burton elaborated. “The interplay between mother, daughter, and granddaughter forms the core of this new narrative. This is something I couldn’t have captured back in 1989.”

Titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the sequel follows Lydia as she returns to her childhood home with her daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega) and her boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux) after the death of her father Charles, originally portrayed by Jeffrey Jones. The funeral brings Lydia face-to-face with her eccentric stepmother Delia, once again played by Catherine O’Hara. As Beetlejuice re-emerges, chaos ensues, rekindling old pandemonium.

The sequel also addresses how Adam and Barbara managed to escape their haunting confines through a discovered “loophole,” giving fans a glimpse into their evolved story.

Geena Davis, currently featured in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice,” shared her thoughts on why Adam and Barbara didn’t return for the sequel. “No, I’m not part of the remake,” Davis mentioned to Entertainment Tonight in April. “People might have expected it, but I think it’s because ghosts don’t age… Not that I have.”

She added, “Our characters were forever frozen at the age they were when they died. It’s been quite some time since then.”

By focusing on new characters and generational dynamics while respecting the original film’s legacy, Burton aims to deliver a sequel that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.