Summary
Michael Keaton is returning to an iconic role withBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, and I really hope that it goes better for him than the last two times he’s returned to major franchises. It’s been 36 years since audiences last saw Keaton play Beetlejuice in Tim Burton’s original movie. Although he’s more famous for playing Batman, his return inBeetlejuice 2brings him back to his original franchise role. Whether you only watched the 1988 movie for the first time recently or have been a fan for decades, the chance to see Keaton play Beetlejuice again is quite exciting.
Part of the reason whyI’m ready to see Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice againin a sequel is because of how hesitant he’s usually been to being part of franchises.Batman Returnsis his only proper movie sequel so far, and he’s only returned to one other role beforeBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. Keaton understands the particular appeal of Betelgeuse so well that he even had thecondition of limiting his screen timeif he was going to return for a sequel. Amid the anticipation of seeing him return, I hopeBeetlejuice 2pans out better than his last two franchise returns.
After 36 Years, Beetlejuice 2 Will Make You Realize A Shocking Michael Keaton Detail From Tim Burton’s Original Movie
A teased change for Michael Keaton’s character in Beetlejuice 2 will retroactively cause viewers to recognize a surprising detail about the 1988 film.
Michael Keaton’s Marvel & DC Franchise Returns Didn’t Go As Planned
He Returned To Familiar Roles Twice Recently
Michael Keaton let down his guard when it came to franchises in the years leading up toBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. This meant returning to the universes of Marvel and DC and playing characters from his past. It began with Michael Keaton’s return as Vulture inMorbius' post-credits scene after debuting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe filmSpider-Man: Homecoming. He thenreturned as Batman inThe Flash, reprising his iconic superhero role.Both appearances were made possible through the multiverseand promised more of him in the roles.
Michael Keaton was set to return as Batman in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Batgirl, but those plans were scrapped.
The problem with Michael Keaton’s recent franchise returns is that neither movie met expectations.Morbiuswas a critical and financial failure, andThe Flash’s box office was one of the biggest flops of 2023. These performances are not Keaton’s fault by any means, ashis roles were constantly changing and being reshot.Morbiuscompletely changed the context of his appearance, whileThe Flashchanged its ending so he wasn’t the universe’s new primary Batman. But they still give him a poor recent track record when it comes to returning to known franchises, as he is doing withBeetlejuicesoon.
Michael Keaton’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
Michael Keaton has been in some great movies over the years, and his best ten films are among the most impressive and varied of all Hollywood stars.
Michael Keaton’s Past Franchise Returns Were Disappointing
The Movies Wasted Him
Box office performances and critical reviews aside, I was still fairly disappointed with how Michael Keaton’s past franchise returns handled him. Sony’s decision to show Vulture inMorbius' trailers teased that he could be more than just a cameo. He was ultimately in the film for only a few seconds, and the post-credits scene is unlikely to ever be paid off at this stage. Keaton’s performance as Vulture inSpider-Man: Homecomingis still one of the best for an MCU villain in my opinion, so it was frustrating to see him so underutilized in a confusing multiverse cameo.
Instead of being a grand return, it’s an unsatisfying send-off
The Flashgave Keaton more to do as Batman without question. He gets a few action sequences and a minor character arc as he decides to suit back up. However, part of what made Keaton’s return so exciting was the idea that it was just the beginning of him playing Batman in several more projects.The Flashproved he still is a great Batman, but DC went in a different direction. I can’t necessarily blame them afterThe Flash’s box office and handing James Gunn the reins. But instead of being a grand return, it’s an unsatisfying send-off for him.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Looks Like A Proper Michael Keaton Sequel
Keaton’s Return Can Make Up For Past Mistakes
Luckily,Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceappears to be the type of franchise return that Michael Keaton deserves. He might still have limited screen time per his request, but Burton will surely get the most out of whatever scenes Keaton has. I’m far from a die-hardBeetlejuicefan, butI’ve been impressed by the trailers and how much fun he seems to be havingplaying Betelgeuse once more. It looks like Keaton effortlessly slid back into this part and is doing everything in his power to makeBeetlejuice Beetlejuicea worthwhile sequel for him and the audience.
If the marketing is indicative of what the final product will be,Beetlejuice 2can be the franchise return that Keaton has been searching for during recent years. There is already teases ofhowBeetlejuice 3could happenand bring him back once more. With the movie’s original success and growing fandom over the years, there is reason to believe thatBeetlejuice Beetlejuicewill be a major hit. In that case, I’ll be glad to see a franchise finally use Michael Keaton properly and earn his return afterMorbiusandThe Flash.
