A Tim Burton film is undeniably unique, characterized by his distinct visual style and imaginative storytelling. The highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, is no exception. According to stars Catherine O’Hara and Jenna Ortega, the director’s signature touch is evident throughout the production. Renowned for his work on iconic films like Batman, Beetlejuice (1988), and Edward Scissorhands, Burton provides his cast with a sensory-rich environment. His practical sets are akin to a Picasso-esque playground, making the filmmaking process both immersive and enjoyable.

When asked about the most quintessentially Tim Burton aspect of the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice set, O’Hara remarked, “The whole environment. It starts with his drawings, the lopsided floors and walls, the beautiful images, live puppetry, and great in-camera effects. He gives you as much of the final visuals as you can get on a set.” This meticulous attention to detail creates a vivid and transformative experience for the actors.

Joining the Beetlejuice family in the sequel is Jenna Ortega, who plays Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder). Ortega added, “The detailed sets are incredibly informative. When actors describe putting on good wardrobe and makeup and feeling themselves change, it’s very enlightening. It’s rare to be so inspired by the scene and scenery around you. It helps you understand your character’s world better.”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a blend of comedy, fantasy, and horror set to release on September 6, 2024. Directed by Tim Burton, the film features a star-studded cast including Jenna Ortega, Michael Keaton, Monica Bellucci, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara. The screenplay is crafted by writers Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg, Michael McDowell, Mike Vukadinovich, and Larry Wilson. The production is a collaboration between KatzSmith Productions, Plan B Entertainment, and Tim Burton Productions.

Catherine O’Hara reprises her role as Delia Deetz, which she first brought to life nearly four decades ago in the original supernatural comedy. Reflecting on working with Burton again, she noted, “He’s a really good, playful boss. He makes it feel like it’s a collaborative process. He’s always saying, ‘Oooh what about this?’ and asking for our input.”

Despite reuniting key characters like Lydia (Ryder) and Delia (O’Hara) Deetz with Michael Keaton’s iconic Beetlejuice, the sequel notably omits some characters from the 1988 film. Lydia, Delia, and Astrid return to their haunted home in Winter River, Connecticut, to bid farewell to Charles (Jeffrey Jones), who has passed away. Missing are Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin’s characters, Barbara and Adam Maitland.

Burton explained his decision to shift focus in an interview with PEOPLE: “I didn’t want to just tick any boxes. Even though Barbara and Adam were integral to the first film, I wanted to explore a new dynamic in this sequel. The hook was the three generations of women—mother, daughter, granddaughter—and that became the nucleus of the story. This was something I couldn’t have envisioned back in 1989.”

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, sparking curiosity about its reception. The film opens in theaters on September 6 with early access screenings on September 4. Fans can look forward to Regal’s exclusive popcorn buckets featuring designs inspired by the Saturn Sandworm, the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, and Betelgeuse’s tombstone.

For those who haven’t seen the original Beetlejuice movie, it is available for streaming on Max. Be sure to watch official trailer No. 2 for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice to get a glimpse of this eagerly awaited sequel.