You might think that invoking Beetlejuice’s name three times would magically summon him back to star in a sequel, but that doesn’t guarantee the return of the entire original cast. So, who’s missing, and what are Tim Burton’s thoughts on their absence? We delved into the mystery, and the revelations are eerie enough to give Beetlejuice himself a fright.

**Why Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis Aren’t in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’**

When *Beetlejuice* first hit theaters in 1988, it quickly ascended to cult classic status. The film boasted a star-studded cast including Catherine O’Hara, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Jones, Michael Keaton, and Winona Ryder. Fast forward to today, and fans are eagerly anticipating the sequel set to premiere on September 6, 2024.

However, observant fans will notice that Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis are conspicuously absent from the sequel. Director Tim Burton offered some insight into this decision.

“I didn’t want to just tick any boxes. Even though Alec and Geena were integral to the first film, I had a different focus for this sequel,” Burton explained to PEOPLE. “The hook for me was the concept of three generations—mother, daughter, granddaughter—and that became the nucleus of the story. This sequel is about the passage of time, something I couldn’t have envisioned doing back in 1989.”

In the original *Beetlejuice*, Baldwin and Davis portrayed the Maitlands, a deceased married couple haunting their former home, which is eventually occupied by the Deetz family (O’Hara, Ryder, and Jones).

**All About ‘Beetlejuice 2’**

Despite the absence of Baldwin and Davis, the rest of the cast and crew are enthusiastic about the new film.

“It’s truly very personal, emotional, and special,” Burton shared. “It feels like a weirdly wonderful home movie for me.”

Catherine O’Hara chimed in with her own sentiments: “And if people don’t like it, then f— them.”

The sequel’s plot revolves around the Deetz family returning to their old house. This time, it’s Lydia’s (Ryder) daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) who forms an unusual friendship with the mischievous Beetlejuice (Keaton).

Ortega, known for her standout role in Netflix’s *Wednesday*, impressed her co-star Keaton. “She just got it. She understood the tone perfectly,” Keaton remarked. “It’s easy to go overboard with excitement in a film like this, but she balanced it beautifully.”

Despite her professional rapport with Keaton, Ortega recalled an unsettling first encounter. “I was getting a hair and makeup test when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there was Michael Keaton with prosthetics peeling off his face—it was a jump scare for sure! He casually introduced himself as ‘Michael.’ I tried to play it cool but ended up introducing myself again the next time we met because I had forgotten our initial meeting,” she laughed.

This spooky moment didn’t phase Ortega, who is excited for audiences to see the film, especially the dynamic between Astrid and her on-screen mother Lydia.

“The relationship between Lydia and Astrid is crucial,” Ortega noted. “It’s a lot about catching up and piecing together what’s happened in Lydia’s life since we last saw her. Fans who love Lydia will appreciate seeing her story continue.”

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