Justin Theroux on the Joy of Playing His ‘Shallow and Dim’ Swindler in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

As a fan of great storytelling, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful to have been part of such a diverse range of cult classics throughout my career. From the whimsical charm of Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion to the chilling intensity of American Psycho, it’s truly humbling to know that these films continue to resonate with audiences long after they were first released.

35 years since the release of Tim Burton’s groundbreaking horror comedy, “Beetlejuice”, a much-anticipated sequel titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is scheduled for release on September 6. In this new installment, we catch up with Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz, now middle-aged, who finds herself back at Winter River due to a family tragedy. To her dismay, she encounters the mischief and mayhem of Michael Keaton’s iconic character, Beetlejuice, yet again

With Lydia goes her peculiar stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara), her moody teen daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), and Rory (Justin Theroux), who sports a ponytail and is somewhat shady. Besides being her boyfriend, he oversees Lydia’s career as the host of her own paranormal reality TV show, Ghost House with Lydia Deetz

As a passionate fan and admirer of Tim Burton’s unique cinematic universe, including the original Beetlejuice, I was thrilled to join the cast for this long-awaited sequel. Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Geena Davis reprise their iconic roles, and I am honored to step into a new character in this beloved world. Initially, I harbored concerns about the necessity of a second Beetlejuice, but upon reading the captivating script, my doubts were swiftly alleviated as I discovered a compelling narrative woven around the original tale

TIME had a chat with Theroux discussing “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” his iconic parts in beloved classics, and the lasting affection for “The Leftovers.”

TIME: It’s been over 35 years since Beetlejuice was released. Were you a fan of the original movie when it came out?

I was completely enamored with it. At the time, I didn’t know the difference between a studio film and an independent one. However, it had a distinct, personal feel that made me believe it belonged only to me. I adored it

Tim Burton is known as Hollywood’s resident master of macabre. What stood out to you about his process as a filmmaker?

I wouldn’t categorize him as a master of the macabre; instead, I view him as a true creative. It’s rare to find directors whose work is as unique and visionary as his, with a minimal gap between their ideas and the final product. Fellini and Lynch are examples. I believe Tim also belongs in that group. We’re fortunate that the system has provided him the opportunity to create his own genre. His movies often feel like independent productions, and he creates a comfortable, thick blanket around the cast and daily work. He’s also incredibly dynamic, moving about like water dancing on a hot surface. Rarely does he take a seat on his director’s chair

Other than Beetlejuice, do you have a favorite Tim Burton movie?

I greatly enjoy most of his movies, but a particular favorite of mine is “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” It was his debut film and nothing quite like it had ever crossed my path before

You star opposite Winona Ryder as the iconic Lydia Deetz. What was it like seeing her bring such a beloved character back to life?

Among the characters in the movie “Beetlejuice”, she was the one who resonated with me the most. When she made her debut, I was around the same age as I am now when I first watched the film. What struck me back then, and still does, is that she portrayed on screen what I now recognize as a feeling every teenager experiences – a mix of misanthropic ennui or sadness. On our initial day of hair and makeup tests, her updated version with cat’s claw bangs and a black dress was just as I had imagined her 35 years later. It felt like a perfect match

You play Rory, a smarmy con artist-type who’s dating Lydia. How did you approach that role?

Engaging in behavior that appears simple, unintelligent, yet amusing is quite entertaining. Subsequently, Tim and I had extensive conversations about ensuring that Rory and Lydia’s portrayal as a couple seemed authentic, but it’s more like an overly intertwined toenail of a codependent relationship

This cast is chock-full of legendary actors. What was your favorite moment on set?

Every day on the set was filled with joy and laughter among us all. Yet, these moments of amusement are different from the awe-inspiring ones. One unforgettable day stands out when we were all working on the final scene. They had a special holding area for us, and I couldn’t help but gaze at the actors’ chairs arranged in a semi-circle. The names I saw – Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega – were moments that made me feel like pinching myself in disbelief, thinking “Oh my god!”

You’re definitely flexing your comedy muscles in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. What appeals to you about comedy versus more dramatic roles?

In comedy, things feel less heavy and more energetic, similar to the difference between playing rough football and casual Nerf games. While drama involves a lot of silence on set and days can seem longer, comedy seems to pass quickly, especially when collaborating with talented comedians like Catherine O’Hara. Working with her made me eager to go to set even on my days off, and I occasionally visited just to see her perform. Watching her bring energy and creativity to the set is truly remarkable

Considering your roles in films like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and American Psycho, this isn’t your first rodeo with cult classics. What does it mean to you to have been a part of so many projects that fans feel such an intense connection to?

It takes time for something to become a cult classic, and it’s not intentional. I consider myself fortunate to collaborate with talented actors and directors who helped create such films. My favorite movies are like finding vintage records in a record store – treasures you feel like you discovered or rediscovered long after they were initially released. Having a few films that resonate with others in this way is extremely rewarding

You’ve also been a screenwriter on a number of hit movies. How do you decide where to focus your energy when it comes to acting versus writing and so forth?

If you’re working on crafting something, nurture it, sell it, produce it, move it to post-production, and release it – that usually takes two years or longer. Acting, on the other hand, offers quick bursts of activity. You can jump in for three weeks or even half a year. I haven’t written anything for a couple of years, but I’ve started writing more recently. So, I’m testing the waters again and hoping to churn out some scripts that will soon be ready for production

The Leftovers consistently appears on lists of the best TV shows of all time. Why do you think that story continues to resonate so deeply?

In essence, “The Leftovers” TV series touched upon a universal aspect of life – loss and mortality – in a delicate and poignant manner. Unlike many other productions that tackle challenging themes, the initial supernatural setup was not its primary focus. Instead, the show swiftly moved beyond it. The exceptional writing, direction, and acting are likely why it remains so impactful to this day

Sex and the City is enjoying a cultural resurgence of sorts thanks to its arrival on Netflix. Were you a fan of the show when it originally aired in addition to appearing as two different love interests of Carrie’s?

During that phase of my professional journey, all I aimed for was securing employment, and financially, HBO was beyond my reach at the time. Hence, I wasn’t particularly fond of it, purely due to financial constraints. However, I was well aware that it resonated with the times when it first premiered, simply by noticing it on every magazine cover. I genuinely appreciated the show and it continues to thrive, becoming both a cult favorite and a series that keeps unveiling new layers

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2024-09-04 18:09