Beetlejuice 3 is officially in the pipeline, but Warner Bros. would be wise to consider timing its release strategically to mark a significant milestone for the franchise. Although the confirmation of a third installment is exciting, many details regarding the storyline and potential returning director Tim Burton remain under wraps. Given the success of the previous films, it stands to reason that a push to involve Burton once more would be a priority. Additionally, it’s highly likely that fan-favorite actors Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega will reprise their roles, which should further generate buzz around the upcoming project.
The strong box office performance of Beetlejuice 2, which grossed over $451 million globally, solidifies the demand for another sequel. The original 1988 classic has only grown in popularity over the decades. Despite the long wait—36 years for the sequel—both its commercial success and enduring fan interest confirm that the franchise has a vibrant future. However, despite the eagerness for Beetlejuice 3, Warner Bros. should consider postponing its premiere.
Beetlejuice 3 Should Premiere in 2028 to Celebrate the Original Film’s 40th Anniversary
WB Can Conclude the Main Story on a Momentous Anniversary
Notably, Beetlejuice 2 took a contemporary approach by incorporating the time that has elapsed into its storyline, adding another generation to the mix. This sequel honored the beloved elements of its predecessor while also adapting to modern storytelling methods, evident through the myriad of Easter eggs. Following this trend, Beetlejuice 3 would benefit immensely by targeting a 2028 release to commemorate the original film’s 40th anniversary.
In the original 1988 film, Lydia was portrayed as the rebellious teenager embroiled in the supernatural conflicts surrounding Beetlejuice. The new film introduced her daughter, Astrid, who became entangled in similar misadventures, with Jeremy filling in as the antagonist. Despite the years between the films, the core narrative remained intact. A third film could explore paths that honor the franchise’s origins while effectively wrapping up the central storyline. This move would also serve as a heartfelt tribute to Tim Burton, marking his first venture into a trilogy.
Reasons Warner Bros. Should Avoid Rushing Beetlejuice 3
Beetlejuice 2 Demonstrated the Value of Patience
Given the success and enthusiastic feedback for Beetlejuice 2, it’s understandable why Warner Bros. would want to quickly greenlight a sequel. However, there’s no pressing urgency to rush Beetlejuice 3 into production following the favorable reception of its predecessor. What Beetlejuice 2 showed us is that an audience’s interest can be sustained over long periods, regardless of how long it takes to produce a follow-up. Fans waited nearly four decades for a sequel; therefore, a few additional years for the third installment could be worth the wait.
Allowing a bit of time to pass could also facilitate the exploration of fresh directions for Lydia and Astrid’s character arcs, diverging from the events of Beetlejuice 2.
Rushing the development of the third movie may inadvertently harm its potential, putting the characters’ journeys in jeopardy of feeling repetitive. While it’s crucial not to replicate the extensive gap that existed between the original film and its sequel, taking the time necessary to enhance the narrative quality would ultimately serve both the storyline and the audience much better.