Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 classic comedy-horror film, is set to open the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 28. The film will have its world premiere in Sala Grande at Palazzo del Cinema (Lido di Venezia) and will be released in theaters and IMAX on September 6 in North America and internationally beginning September 4.
Directed by Burton, Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe. The film marks the return of Beetlejuice after a long absence and follows the Deetz family who return home to Winter River following an unexpected tragedy.
Astrid, a rebellious teenage daughter, discovers a model of the town in the attic and accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife. Lydia's life is turned upside down when her daughter's actions unleash Beetlejuice once again. With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
Burton directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar, based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson. The film is produced by Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper and Burton himself.
Alberto Barbera expressed excitement about hosting the world premiere of Beetlejuice at the Venice Film Festival. Tim Burton also expressed his excitement about having the world premiere of his film at this prestigious event.
Beetlejuice is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The 81st Venice International Film Festival runs from August 28 to September 7, with French star Isabelle Huppert acting as jury president.