Los Angeles, CA—September 12, 2024 — Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice, has taken the box office by storm, raking in over $147 million globally in its opening weekend. The film, directed by Tim Burton and starring a mix of returning icons and fresh faces, has resonated strongly with audiences, becoming a box office juggernaut and setting the stage for one of the biggest Halloween season releases in recent years.
With nostalgic fans and new viewers alike flocking to theaters, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice exceeded initial box office predictions, surpassing $90 million domestically and earning an additional $57 million from international markets. This stunning debut cements the film as one of the highest-grossing openings for a horror-comedy and has already sparked early discussions of a potential third installment in the franchise.
A Highly Anticipated Sequel
The original Beetlejuice, released in 1988, became a cultural touchstone, with Michael Keaton’s unforgettable portrayal of the titular “bio-exorcist” and Tim Burton’s signature gothic style captivating audiences. Thirty-six years later, the sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice returns to the quirky, supernatural world that made the original a beloved classic.
Much of the excitement surrounding the film comes from the reunion of key cast members. Michael Keaton returns in his iconic role as the mischievous ghost with a knack for trouble, while Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, now navigating life as an adult. Joining them are newcomers to the Beetlejuice universe, including Jenna Ortega, who stars as Lydia’s daughter, and Willem Dafoe, who plays a mysterious new character haunting the Deetz family. Burton’s distinct visual aesthetic, combined with Danny Elfman’s familiar score, brings the nostalgic world back to life, while the humor and chaotic energy of the film appeal to a new generation of fans.
Opening Weekend Breakdown
Domestically, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened in over 4,000 theaters, generating a staggering $90.1 million in North America. Analysts had initially predicted a strong opening in the $70 million range, but the film’s appeal across multiple demographics drove it to exceed expectations. The success was bolstered by positive word-of-mouth and a strong marketing campaign that leaned into the film’s spooky yet comedic tone, perfectly timed for the Halloween season.
Internationally, the film performed equally well, bringing in $57 million from major markets including the U.K., Australia, Mexico, and Japan. In particular, the movie saw impressive numbers in Latin America, where audiences have a strong affinity for Burton’s unique brand of dark humor and visual storytelling.
Critics have generally responded positively to the film, praising its mix of campy horror, comedy, and visual effects. Rotten Tomatoes currently holds the film at a solid 78%, while audience scores have been even more favorable, with many fans praising the performances, particularly Keaton’s return as Beetlejuice. Some critics have noted the film’s reliance on nostalgia, but audiences seem to embrace the balance of callbacks to the original with new, engaging plotlines.
Record-Breaking Halloween Success
The $147 million global opening places Beetlejuice Beetlejuice among the top-grossing films of the year in its genre and the second-highest October release in history, just behind Joker (2019). It also ranks as one of the highest-grossing openings for a film directed by Tim Burton, surpassing his previous record-holder Alice in Wonderland (2010).
The film’s debut also signals a successful revival of Halloween-centric movies, where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice now leads the pack alongside other seasonal blockbusters. With Halloween-themed films typically performing well at the box office during the fall season, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is expected to continue its strong performance throughout October, especially with little competition in the horror-comedy genre.
The film’s success is also attributed to its appeal across age groups, with older fans who grew up with the original returning for the sequel, while younger audiences, drawn by the involvement of actors like Jenna Ortega, have helped expand its reach.
Marketing and Fan Engagement
Warner Bros.’ marketing campaign for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice played a significant role in its success. In the lead-up to its release, the studio leaned heavily into social media and nostalgia-driven promotions, using fan-favorite quotes, iconic moments from the original film, and Beetlejuice’s chaotic persona to generate excitement. Viral moments, including a TikTok challenge based on Harry Belafonte’s iconic “Day-O” song, performed by cast members in the movie, also added to the film’s buzz online.
Halloween pop-up events, immersive experiences, and themed merchandise also helped build anticipation, while press tours featuring Burton, Keaton, Ryder, and Ortega further fueled interest.
The film’s title—Beetlejuice Beetlejuice—served as a clever marketing hook, playing off the original movie’s famous superstition of repeating Beetlejuice’s name three times to summon him. The clever choice helped make the film instantly recognizable, while also setting it apart as a sequel that leaned into its whimsical roots.
Looking Ahead: Beetlejuice Franchise Resurgence
With its impressive box office opening, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is poised to become one of the biggest films of the Halloween season, and there are already early talks of expanding the franchise further. While Warner Bros. has yet to officially confirm a third installment, industry insiders suggest that the strong opening could pave the way for a potential trilogy, especially given the growing trend of legacy sequels in Hollywood.
As it stands, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is not only a box office hit but also a testament to the enduring appeal of Tim Burton’s creative vision and the iconic characters that first captivated audiences in 1988. With Halloween just around the corner, the film is expected to maintain its momentum in the coming weeks, potentially crossing the $300 million mark by the end of October.
For now, audiences can’t get enough of Beetlejuice’s return to the big screen, and with more spooky surprises in store, the ghost with the most is here to stay.
