The following contains spoilers for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, now playing in theaters
Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis an exciting return for some of the most iconic characters in Tim Burton’s career. The 1988 film was a blockbuster success when it landed in theaters, bringing the Deetz family and the ghostly Maitlans into the orbit of the monstrous undead bio-exorcist, Betelgeuse. The new film brings back a few major characters from the original film, building off the established lore ofBeetlejuice’s afterlife. Bythe ending ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, the film has introrduced plenty of characters, with the likes of Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe fleshing out the film’s cast.
However,Beetlejuicewouldn’t be the same without the titular character and all his chaotic glory. Michael Keaton’s starring role inBeetlejuiceelevated a relatively minor amount of screen time into an immortal film character who has gone on to inspire animated shows and Broadway musicals alike. He’s not the only returning star from the original film who plays an important role inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, keeping the heart of the series in the drama between the Deetz family. Here’s every returning star amongthe cast inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
The long-awaited Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, starring Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega, includes a soundtrack of entertaining songs that shape the plot.
Born June 15, 2025
Active Since: 1975
Actor:Michael Keaton reprises his role as Betelgeuse inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, bringing back one of his most iconic roles for the horror/comedy sequel. Born in Coraopolis, Pennslyvania, Keaton found his big break in films likeNight ShiftandMr. Mom. Keaton subseqently solidified his cinematic stardom in part thanks to his collaborations with Tim Burton.Beetlejuice,Batman, andBatman Returnswere among the ten films in their respective year of release. Following years of supporting roles, his career went through a resurgence with the release of the Academy Award nominatedBirdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).
Spider-Man: Homecoming(2017)
Adrian Toomes / Vulture
Character:The undead Betelgeuse was an ideal role for Keatonin 1988, serving as a manic comedic character that could highlight Keaton’s flexibility and versatility as a performer. The sleezy undead bio-excorist remains a great character for Keaton decades later, with the actor slipping back into the role of Betelgeuse with ease. In the new film, Betelgeuse still harbors a torch for Lydia Deetz. The film also dives into Betelgeuse’s origins, highlightingBeetlejuice’s backstory, the events surrounding his death, and his connections to characters like Delores.
Every Major Dead Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Character & How They Died
Here’s how every deceased major character who appears in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice met their end, both in the mortal realm and in the afterlife.
Born August 04, 2025
Active Since: 1986
Actor:Born in Winona, Minnesota,Winona Ryder’s big break came with the role fo Lydia Deetz inBeetlejuice. After appearing in several high profile roles in the 1980s and 1990s including Oscar-nominated performances inAge of InnocenceandLittle Women, Ryder’s career went through a lull in the early 2000s. Following several minor roles, her performance as Joyce inStranger Thingshelped catapult her back into the spotlight. It’s exciting to see Ryder back as Lydia, especially given her own experiences in the entertainment industry reflecting the challenges faced by an exhausted Lydia inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Stranger Things(2016)
Joyce Byers
Character: Winona Ryder was only 15 when she played Lydia Deetz inBeetlejuice, and returns to the part 36 years later. Lydia was a comically morose teenager in the original film. Now,Lydia finds herself dealing with the trials and tribulations of adulthood, including a strained relationship with her daughter Astrid, played byWednesday’s Jenna Ortega. Ryder brings a certain amount of lived-in exhaustion to the character in the modern day, balancing a slightly theatrical approach to her career as a high-profile ghost hunter with a shaken and exhausted woman.
Born August 24, 2025
Active Since:1974
Actor:Born in Toronto, Canada,O’Hara established herself as one of the lead performers in the sketch comedy seriesSCTV. Since then, O’Hara has been a consistent presence in film and television for over forty years. She’s appeared in other Tim Burton projects outside of theBeetlejuice films, including the Burton-producedThe Nightmare Before Christmasand 2012’sFrankenweenie. In recent years, her most notable role has been Moira Rose in the critically acclaimedSchitt’s Creek. She’s set to appear in the upcoming second season ofThe Last of Us.
Argylle(2024)
Ruth
Character:Catherine O’Hara is the third major returning cast member from the originalBeetlejuicewho appears inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. Lydia’s step-mother, the conceptual artist Delia is one of the original film’s more comical supporting characters. Delia plays a similar role inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, albeit in a more bittersweet way. A widow afterCharles Deetz’s died early in the film, Delia is a silly supporting element of the film. InBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, Delia serves as a compelling contrast to the more mature Lydia before going on an unexpected adventure of her own.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Cast
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
