Before Michael Keaton was ultimately cast as Beetlejuice, the iconic and mischievous “Ghost with the Most,” director Tim Burton had a surprising suggestion for the role. He proposed to studio executives that a legendary showbiz figure, Sammy Davis Jr., take on the character.

In 1988, Michael Keaton defined the role of Beetlejuice with his unforgettable performance. Fast forward 36 years, and fans of this classic supernatural comedy are eagerly anticipating the sequel, titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” set to release on September 6.

In a candid 1999 interview with Conan O’Brien, Tim Burton recounted some of the most bizarre reactions he had received from studio executives regarding his unconventional film ideas. When asked about the weirdest reaction, Burton recalled the moment he suggested Sammy Davis Jr. for Beetlejuice.

“I’ve been fortunate to continue making films, which is great,” Burton shared with O’Brien. “But I distinctly remember the reaction when I mentioned Sammy Davis Jr. as Beetlejuice. The executives looked at me like cats seeing something odd or like deer caught in headlights.”

Sammy Davis Jr. certainly had the credentials to star in the film. As a celebrated member of the Rat Pack—alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford—Davis was a distinguished song-and-dance man. His extensive career spanned over 70 film and television projects, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Despite the initial success of Beetlejuice and its rise to classic status, attempts to create a sequel faced numerous obstacles over the decades. It wasn’t until Burton’s “Wednesday” collaborators, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, wrote a script based on a story by Gough, Millar, and Seth Grahame-Smith, that the sequel finally gained momentum.

When it came time for Michael Keaton to reprise his iconic role as Beetlejuice, Burton was astonished by how effortlessly Keaton slipped back into character. “He just got back into it. It was kind of scary for someone who might not have been overly interested in doing it,” Burton revealed to Entertainment Weekly in an interview that accompanied the release of the first trailer for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” in March. “It was such a beautiful thing for me to see all the cast come together, but Keaton, like demon possession, just went right back into it.”

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” also marks the return of original stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Joining them are new cast members Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe, adding fresh excitement to the long-awaited sequel.

As fans gear up for this much-anticipated release, the legacy of Beetlejuice continues to thrive, bridging generations with its unique blend of humor and supernatural charm.