Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice: Darker Deleted Scenes Uncovered

Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice: A Darker Script

Beetlejuice was first released in the 1980s (Picture: Warner Bros). There’s no denying that Beetlejuice has become one of the most beloved family films in cinema history, but it turns out that there were plans to make the whole thing much darker. Tim Burton’s classic film first hit cinema screens in 1988, introducing us all to Michael Keaton’s incredibly zany bio-exorcist, alongside Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz.

The Original Darkness

It followed the story of a ghostly couple who become desperate to evict the new, living tenants who have taken over their home – unfortunately, they get more than they bargained for after calling on ancient spirit Betelgeuse for help.

Deleted Scenes and Sinister Plot Twists

According to Den of Geek, a second draft of the script was titled Beetle Juice and penned by scriptwriter Michael McDowell, and saw the family terrorized by a shapeshifting version of the character, going so far as to sexually assault Lydia. Michael Keaton played the creepy character to perfection (Picture: Warner Bros).

Upcoming Sequel and Tim Burton’s Vision

Thankfully, the cinema version was a little lighter and slightly less terrifying than the draft script. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice appears to have continued the darkly comedic tone and will focus on three generations of the Deetz family on their return to Winter River. Betelgeuse is released once more to cause chaos when the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.

Tim Burton's Personal Reflections

Tim opened up about his decision to get the gang back together again decades after the original, describing it as ‘a very personal film’. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is released in cinemas on September 6.