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Jenna Ortega Stars as Astrid in Beetlejuice 2 Sequel
Jenna Ortega is set to star in the upcoming movie “Beetlejuice 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 cult classic. As she prepares for the biggest role she’s had yet in her acting career, Ortega has been actively engaging with the media and giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from her character and the movie itself.
How Jenna Ortega is Preparing for “Beetlejuice 2”
In “Beetlejuice 2,” Ortega will play Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Lydia Deetz, famously portrayed by Winona Ryder in the original film. Lydia and Astrid’s return to the eerie town of Winter River sets off a string of events that unintentionally bring the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice back into their lives. This role marks a significant milestone for Ortega, as she transitions from her breakout success in Netflix’s “Wednesday” to starring in a movie with a massive fan base and a legendary cast, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara.
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Ortega has expressed her excitement about the role in several interviews. In one with Extra, she revealed that Tim Burton first brought up the opportunity during a meeting she initially believed was about the second season of “Wednesday.” “I went, ‘Oh, okay, right-right, cool. Thank you very much.’ Left. Got in my car, pulled over ten minutes into the drive on the side of Pacific Coast Highway … I just read the entire thing,” she said. In her own words, she knew “pretty much immediately” that she wanted to be a part of the film.
Recent Media Appearances
Ortega has been actively promoting “Beetlejuice 2,” making appearances on various talk shows and giving interviews. On the TODAY show, she talked about her enthusiasm for the film and how much she appreciates the support of her family as she navigates the pressures of fame. She also highlighted the importance of balancing her public and personal life, often crediting her siblings for keeping her grounded.
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During her appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Ortega discussed the challenges of playing Astrid in the film while simultaneously working on the production of “Wednesday.” She mentioned the unique difficulties of interpreting two very distinct characters, especially when both projects demand so much creativity and emotional energy.
Besides appearing on talk shows, Ortega has been spotted at various fashion events and movie premieres, consistently dressed in outfits that pay homage to the dark, quirky aesthetic of both “Wednesday” and “Beetlejuice.” She has worn dresses inspired by Lydia’s outfit in the final scene of Beetlejuice, a suit that resembled Keaton’s wedding-day attire, and even made a nod to Lydia’s iconic red wedding dress, among many others.
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What to Expect from “Beetlejuice 2”
“Beetlejuice 2” combines the eccentric dark humor of the original with fresh, modern storytelling. The plot picks up 36 years after the events of the first film, with Lydia and her daughter Astrid returning to Winter River after a family tragedy. When Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife, Beetlejuice is unleashed once again, leading to a chaotic and humorous journey that only Tim Burton could deliver.
Apart from the return of original cast members Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, new additions like Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci are set to add depth to the story. Tim Burton’s distinct style, along with the creative team behind “Wednesday,” including writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, ensure that “Beetlejuice 2” will stay true to the original film while breathing new life into the beloved franchise.
Scheduled for release on September 6th, 2024, “Beetlejuice 2” has already got fans eagerly- and finally- awaiting to return to the weird and wonderful world of the Deetz family and their ghostly encounters.
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