Beetlejuice 2 ending explained: Is [SPOILER] really gone?

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the return of Beetlejuice was nothing short of electrifying! The nostalgia from the ’80s oozed through every frame, and yet it managed to remain fresh and engaging for modern audiences. The sequel had all the ingredients that made the original such a cult classic – Tim Burton’s unique vision, Danny Elfman’s spine-tingling score, and Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance as Betelgeuse.

The juice is loose! The Ghost with the most is back! Beetlejuice has returned!

In the eagerly anticipated 2024 sequel to the 1988 original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton once again stepped into the shoes of the iconic bio-exorcist. He wasn’t by himself in this adventure, as Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara also made a comeback. Joining them were director Tim Burton and composer Danny Elfman, who together created an extraordinary, eccentric, humorous, and terrifying experience that lived up to the wild spirit of the original film.

The follow-up is intriguing because it effectively combines the ’80s nostalgia of the first film with elements that resonate with contemporary viewers. A significant part of this success can be attributed to Jenna Ortega’s portrayal as Wednesday, the daughter of Lydia Deetz, Astrid in the sequel.

Experiencing “Beetlejuice” yet again left me, as a devoted fan, in a state of chilling bewilderment. What on earth does it signify for the Deetzes?

*** This article contains major SPOILERS from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Don’t read on if you haven’t seen it yet. ***

Lydia’s dream proves that Beetlejuice is never too far away

A key aspect in the story Beetlejuice Beetlejuice revolves around Lydia Deetz’s struggle to overcome the emotional scars from her encounter with Betelgeuse during her teenage years in the ’80s. She couldn’t heal until she faced him again, but this encounter made her understand that she required his assistance. This requirement led to a surprising consequence: Lydia had to marry him according to their agreement. However, her daughter Astrid came to the rescue by finding a loophole in the contract. This allowed Lydia to avoid going through with the marriage if Betelgeuse took her into the afterlife.

In this rephrased version, Lydia successfully managed to expel Betelgeuse permanently by uttering his name thrice, causing him to explode like a balloon, seemingly marking the end of her peculiar nightmare. Longing for companionship among the living, Lydia took Astrid on a journey to explore all the places she and her father Richard had planned to visit before his demise. However, when Astrid welcomed her newborn child into the world, she was faced with an aggressive, baby-form Beetlejuice that assaulted the medical staff. Lydia awakened then, realizing it was merely a dream. Yet, as the credits unfolded, she found herself questioning what was truly real or imaginary, as Betelgeuse momentarily reappeared by her side before she woke up once more, uncertain of the boundaries between reality and illusion.

Beetlejuice 2 ending explained: Is [SPOILER] really gone?

This is a not-so-subtle reminder that she still harbors this strange connection with Betelgeuse, who may well still be sending her messages (much like he revealed he was early on in the sequel). Yes, Lydia was able to say his name three times and banish him, but as both movies have reminded us, that just sends him back to where he came from. And in the Beetlejuice lore, no one is ever truly gone (that is, unless you’re soul-sucked by Betelgeuse’s ex-wife Delores or sent to Hell like Jeremy).

This ending could be a clever way for the movie to have a satisfying resolution while keeping options open for a possible sequel. On one hand, Lydia’s character growth is fulfilled as she chooses to embrace life rather than dwell on the deceased. On the other, it leaves room for speculation that Betelgeuse may still be around if another story is needed in the future.

One of the movie’s screenwriters, Alfred Gough, spoke about the ambiguous conclusion with Forbes, describing it as a satisfying ending for the characters while still preserving the film’s quirky atmosphere.

It’s a Beetlejuice ending, but it’s a happy ending. So, I think for us, that’s what we really wanted — that emotional mother-daughter story that really played through all the bonkers and sanity of the movie. And Beetlejuice, interestingly — for being an agent of chaos and being selfish and only really in it for himself — helps put this family back together.

In the story, Betelgeuse serves as a symbol of what unites the Deetzes. This is why it was fitting that only they joining forces ultimately led to him leaving. What a clever plot twist! However, this setup could potentially lead to a sequel, but that doesn’t guarantee one will be made.

During an interview with Total Film (via Games Radar), director Tim Burton appeared uneasy at the prospect of a potential Beetlejuice 3. However, he did express hope for the film’s success, noting that it would be necessary if they were to consider making a third installment. He also shared that he enjoyed working on the sequel.

I hope for the best, really. I just feel good this was done in the spirit and feeling of the original. However the movie does, it was a very good experience for me in that way.

Considering the success of the second film, there’s a strong chance we might see a “Beetlejuice 3” in the future, but only if Tim Burton decides to direct another installment. It’s important to note that a series as unique and offbeat as this one requires its visionary director to be involved for it to maintain its charm.

The closing scene of the movie “Beetlejuice” suits the film series perfectly, since it leaves room for a potential sequel (Lydia hasn’t completely banished Beetlejuice from her existence), but at the same time, it delivers a self-referential and fulfilling conclusion that could stand alone as the final chapter of their story.

Absolutely, the Juice has temporarily left us, but it’s possible that he could return someday.

2024-09-11 03:01