Anticipation is building for Beetlejuice 3, especially following the triumphant release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel. This new project presents a promising opportunity to explore the imaginative storyline Tim Burton originally envisioned for the sequel. After decades of development, the sequel finally hit theaters in 2024, leaving fans eager for more, and the upcoming Beetlejuice 3 promises a shorter wait, particularly if it adopts elements from Burton’s previously scrapped concepts.
Warner Bros. has officially greenlit Beetlejuice 3, responding to the impressive box office performance of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. However, specific details about the third installment remain scarce, with no concrete information about its plot released yet. In contrast, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was widely discussed within fan circles long before its premiere, with various theories and rumors surrounding its storyline.
Unveiling Tim Burton’s Hawaiian Concept for Beetlejuice
A Concept Spoiled By Time
Interestingly, the narrative presented in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was not the first vision Burton had for a sequel. The initial draft, titled Beetlejuice in Love, was commissioned back in 1990 but ultimately went dormant. Not long after, Burton tasked Jonathan Gems with creating a script for Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian, a storyline that marked a shift in scenery for our beloved characters.
This Hawaiian adventure had the Deetz family relocating to Hawaii, where Charles Deetz planned to construct a resort. However, they soon discovered the resort’s location over a burial ground belonging to a Hawaiian Kahuna, whose spirit returns to haunt the family. In a comical twist, they would enlist Beetlejuice’s help, as he’d have to defeat the Kahuna in a surfing competition to save them.
Tim Burton envisioned this concept as a unique blend of the original film’s dark humor coupled with the aesthetic of a Hawaiian surfing movie. Despite undergoing several rewrites, including one by Kevin Smith in 1996, the script failed to move forward, largely due to concerns over Winona Ryder’s age for the character Lydia, making the Hawaiian angle infeasible.
Why Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian Was Abandoned
Theories Behind the Story Shift
Development for a Beetlejuice sequel was not revisited until 2011, at which point Seth Grahame-Smith was hired to draft a new screenplay. By then, the Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian concept was largely dismissed as the creative team aimed for a more traditional sequel.
While no official explanation has been provided for the shift away from this unique storyline, several theories exist. One possibility is the potential complexities surrounding Charles Deetz’ character, particularly after actor Jeffrey Jones’ legal issues prevented his return. Additionally, the passage of time could have played a role, as introducing a comedic Hawaiian adventure might have seemed out of place for long-time fans of the franchise. Instead, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opted for a familiar narrative structure.
A New Dawn for Beetlejuice: The Hawaiian Sequel
Seizing the Opportunity for Change
With Beetlejuice 3 officially in motion, there has never been a better time for the Hawaiian sequel concept to surface once more. Given the swift progression from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the audience is now more receptive to exploring bold new narratives. If the fresh storyline does not resonate with viewers, they can revisit the latest installment that served as a reintroduction to these cherished characters.
Furthermore, the previous sequel faced critiques regarding its heavy resemblance to the original film. Tim Burton now has a chance to innovate and explore entirely new avenues with familiar characters in Beetlejuice 3, making it an exciting prospect for fans and newcomers alike.