Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Jenna Ortega

  • Movie Review: ‘Miller’s Girl’

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    (L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Opening in theaters on January 26th, ‘Miller’s Girl’ takes a dynamic that has been portrayed many times on screen –– the complicated, troubling teacher/student relationship that threatens to cross over into something less legally defined through the actions of one or both.

    Here, writer/director Jade Halley Bartlett looks to tell her own take on that tale, finding a way through a particularly knotty path that sometimes finds itself in the weeds of expectation and tone.

    Does ‘Miller’s Girl’ Have the “Write” Stuff?

    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Bartlett’s film, including the surname of one of the main characters, channels writer Henry Miller, whose writing also features as a key plot element. There might be nothing here that can quite compare to Miller’s work, but Bartlett has a fair stab at grafting complicated sexual politics on to a very recognizable dramatic situation. Yet that familiar concept can sometimes breed contempt, as there have been more compelling takes on this subject.

    Related Article: ‘Miller’s Girl’ Interview: Director Jade Halley Bartlett

    ‘Miller’s Girl’: Script and Direction

    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett behind the of scenes of the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett behind the of scenes of the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Bartlett’s playwright past means the dialogue is the star here, even more so than either Jenna Ortega or Martin Freeman. The pair’s burgeoning friendship and shared love of literature is a touchstone that Bartlett returns to several times as she draws her characters closer.

    Problem is, there are times, particularly in the first two acts, where it smacks of Bartlett showing off her talent for writing. And that pushes the interaction between Ortega and Freeman, or Ortega and Gideon Adlon’s Winnie into unrealistic territory: these aren’t relatable, human characters, they’re constructs designed to spin clever lines together.

    The concept also sometimes comes across as problematic, and we don’t mean the situation between the teacher and his student. Ortega’s character being left to rattle around the gothic mansion while her parents work/galivant overseas is not always as convincing as the writer/director believes them to be, no matter how much Bartlett tries to weave more mystery around her.

    Once things get more dramatic, however, the tenor of the dialogue settles down to something that feels more like human interaction, no matter how melodramatic it becomes. It’s here, though, that the whole affair then threatens to go off the deep end as the twists start coming.

    The direction, meanwhile, is basic and unobtrusive. The lower budget and tight focus mean that you never really get a sense of the school as a place –– other students are seldom glimpse, and outside of the five main characters, there are few other people to be found in the film.

    It gives a claustrophobic feel, which works for the movie’s story, but does sometimes make it feel more like a play than a film. One or two visual moments break that spell –– one particular moment during a rainfall works very well –– but otherwise this is, by design, fairly closed in.

    ‘Miller’s Girl’: Performances

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in 'Miller’s Girl.'
    (L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in ‘Miller’s Girl.’ Photo Credit: Zac Popik.

    Ortega has long since proved she can handle something like this –– though her academic acting of late has mostly been in ‘Wednesday’, which is more a dark comedy with a side of horror. Here, the horror is on a much more human level, and Ortega sinks into the role of the smart Cairo Sweet, who carries a sense of mystery around her along with her school books.

    As the different layers of her psyche are revealed –– this is, after all, is a story that seeks to show the darker impulses of both the student and teacher –– Ortega is more than up to the task, though even she can’t quite make some of the later twists function convincingly.

    Freeman, for his part, brings his own layers to teacher Jonathan Miller. We’re mostly used to seeing him as a likeable everyman and here, that’s who Miller appears to be at the start. But as the movie digs into his buried resentments and frustration, and his dangerous side is revealed, Freeman is still convincing.

    Likewise his interaction with Bashir Salahuddin’s fellow teacher convinces as a friendly male relationship, full of warmly traded jokes and bonhomie. And Salahuddin also works well, though his character does sometimes verge into cliché.

    Gideon Adlon, as Cairo’s best friend Winnie has her own arc. Initially portrayed as a sexed-up polysexual, she at first might belong more in a comedy such as ‘Booksmart’ or ‘Superbad’ (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, by coincidence, are producers here), but is soon wrapped up in the ensuing drama between Ortega and Freeman’s characters. The cast sometimes struggles in the later scenes, but overall they all do good work.

    ‘Miller’s Girl’: Final Thoughts

    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    In tackling something that has been brought to screens in a variety of ways (not to mention a real-life issue that can be extremely difficult for all involved), ‘Miller’s Girl’ is a thoughtful, dramatic meditation on the dangers of literary lust spilling out into the real world. The performances are solid, but the movie itself sometimes finds itself lost in its own world.

    ‘Miller’s Girl’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    4OrTIOwhQvZ4KBItWkX7d2

    What’s the plot of ‘Miller’s Girl’?

    A talented young writer (Jenna Ortega) embarks on a creative odyssey when her teacher (Martin Freeman) assigns a project that entangles them both in an increasingly complex web. As lines blur and their lives intertwine, professor and protégé must confront their darkest selves while straining to preserve their individual sense of purpose and the things they hold most dear.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Miller’s Girl’?

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Movies Similar to ‘Miller’s Girl’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Miller’s Girl’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Jenna Ortega Movies On Amazon

    Od1LCPD6

     

  • ‘Miller’s Girl’ Interview: Director Jade Halley Bartlett

    8zT6Pq7u

    Opening in theaters on January 26th is the new thriller ‘Miller’s Girl,’ which was written and directed by Jade Halley Bartlett, and stars Jenna Ortega (‘Scream VI’) and Martin Freeman (‘Black Panther’).

    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett behind the of scenes of the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett behind the of scenes of the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with filmmaker Jade Halley Bartlett about her work on ‘Miller’s Girl,’ developing the screenplay and the themes she wanted to explore, avoiding tropes, the complex characters, Jenna Ortega’s performance, working with Martin Freeman, and crafting the movie’s ambiguous ending.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.

    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett talks 'Miller's Girl.'
    Director/Writer Jade Halley Bartlett talks ‘Miller’s Girl.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about developing the screenplay and the themes that you wanted to explore as a director?

    Jade Halley Bartlett: So, it originally started as a play that I wrote in 2011, as sort of a love letter to my muse. Her name is Julianne. She’s a terrific actress, and I wanted to write something for her. I was an actor living in New York City, not working, post-recession. I’d never really written before, so I was like, what am I going to do with my certificate of participation from an acting school? So, I said, I’m going to write for my friend. So, I called her, and I said, “If you could play any character, who would it be?” She said, “A psychopathic killer child.” So, I was like, I’m going to write about the birth of a villain, which is what I set out to do. So, in the original play, Cairo is that, and then as I adapted it to screen, Me Too happened, and I was suddenly gob smacked by the fact that I had not written one villain, but two. As I was working through my internalized misogyny, which didn’t even let me see what Jonathan was, I got to develop him further in that way. I use the word villain lightly, because none of the characters in this film, I think can fit the basket of victim or villain. They’re all the facets of these things. So, it was exciting to be able to move forward with characters who weren’t in the binary of characters who sat in this kind of moral gray area that I think is closer to what real life is inside of a heightened fairy tale movie.

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in 'Miller’s Girl.'
    (L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in ‘Miller’s Girl.’ Photo Credit: Zac Popik.

    MF: Can you talk about avoiding some of the “older man/younger woman” tropes and what you wanted to bring that was new to the “teacher/student” dynamic?

    JHB: I mean, it is a trope. This story clearly is a trope, and I wanted to upend our expectations of what that trope is by not having a perfect victim or a perfect villain. Now, often I think in these types of relationship stories, which will continue to be told, they’re mostly told by men. Historically, I think in cinema these stories have been told by men, and I’m not a man, and the whole thing is from the female gaze. So, I think that really excites me about this trope and reworking what it is having it be from Cairo’s perspective, which is inherently my perspective, which is female.

    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: Obviously, Jenna Ortega is one of the most popular young actresses working today. Can you talk about casting her and what she brings to a role like this?

    JHB: Humanity. I think that’s really one of the most stunning things that she brings. Jenna’s very funny. I think she’s a very charming, funny person, but she, like me, has gothic proclivities, and I was really surprised at how much heart she brought to a character that I think could quite easily be very arch or very pretentious. Even though you see her, we feel her heartbreak with her, and you watch those scales grow over her, but you can still feel the pulse inside of her, and I think that is both beautiful and quite terrifying.

    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: It seems that through most of the movie, Cairo is really the character holding all the power, which isn’t always the case in this type of story. Can you talk about that?

    JHB: I mean, these tropes often deal with a vixen, a siren or some young girl who is out to destroy somebody. Cairo doesn’t. Cairo lives in a house with no parents, and all the literature she’s ever read, and the movies she watches are 19th and 20th century, which are inherently problematic. They’re way behind the curve. So, she is not really equipped going into a situation like this to understand what real life is. When she idealizes Jonathan, and it’s shot this way, we shot him from below, so we’re seeing him the way she does. When he ultimately humiliates her and shames her, her heart shatters in such a way that she is so ill-prepared for what that’s going to be, that she makes this great turn. Then of course, we shot him from above to examine how she sees him. I think that the power that she has is something that she comes to understand. She does not know that she has it in the beginning because she doesn’t know why she would ever need to wield it. There’s this great quote by Ani DiFranco that says, “Any tool is a weapon if you hold it right.” I think that’s what Cairo is.

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Dagmara Domińczyk as Beatrice June Harker in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    (L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Dagmara Domińczyk as Beatrice June Harker in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: It also seems like Jonathan’s insecurities and his failing marriage have led him to a place where he is susceptible to Cairo’s advances. Is that correct?

    JHB: Yes. I mean, they’re both deeply problematically romantic people, and Jonathan is dangerous his hubris won’t let him see what he really is, which is sort of a comment on me. I didn’t see what he really was either. So, his translation into that version in the screenplay is also my understanding of him as well, and Beatrice (Dagmara Domińczyk) became that voice for me throughout the story. Jonathan is not a strong person. I think he is much closer to the real-life version of how these things happen. He’s not a capital “V” villain. He doesn’t know he’s the villain. His inability to see his responsibility in this whole scenario, I think is really terrifying.

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: I haven’t really seen Martin Freeman play a role like this before. Can you talk about working with him and was he comfortable going to all the places he had to emotionally for this character?

    JHB: He was extraordinary. Martin got the movie green lit. I wrote him a letter. I was like, “Please, please meet me,” and he did. We talked for like two hours on Zoom, and he just really understood the context, the content and the character. He wasn’t afraid of Jonathan. He wasn’t afraid to explore a man who has weaknesses and has vulnerabilities in a way that I don’t think we typically see characters like this. He also exhibited such an extraordinary amount of humanity. I think because Martin has such warmth and kindness, and he’s a surgeon of an actor, he’s so deft. I think if he was harder or anything other than Martin, it would be very easy to vilify this character. But because Martin has this warmth and humanity, you can relate to him and it’s certainly what I feel when I watch him. I think the relatability of both of those characters is what gives more nuance to this story that has been told many times.

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    (L to R) Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller and Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: Can you talk about Ortega and Freeman’s on-screen chemistry and was it obvious to you the first time you put them in front of the camera together?

    JHB: I wish I had footage of the camera test that we did. Everybody in there was like, “Oh my God.” Because their chemistry, they’re both so intelligent and they’re wonderful when they’re speaking, but what happens when they’re not speaking, it crackles through the air. They’re very generous actors with each other, and obviously there’s so much dialogue. They both came really prepared with that dialogue. So, when they came to set, because they knew all the language, we could just get in and play, and they’re both so incredibly professional and they’re both fun people. They’re electric together.

    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Jenna Ortega as Cairo Sweet in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    MF: Finally, the movie’s finale is purposely ambiguous, can you talk about crafting the ending?

    JHB: That is exactly the ending it’s always been. I wanted to leave with a question because I think it’s too tidy to tie it up in a bow. I want the audience to ask themselves, who does she become? Who does he become? I wanted it to feel like a short story. I think short stories are the most perfect format of storytelling. You don’t have to fill it with too much. It’s almost like a good joke where you’ve got the setup and then you’ve got the punchline at the end. It leaves you with a question or it leaves you with an emotion. I didn’t want to tie anything up. I wanted the audience to ask themselves who these characters are, what are they going to do, and why am I the audience member? What are my judgments of these characters and why have I made them?

    4OrTIOwhQvZ4KBItWkX7d2

    What’s the plot of ‘Miller’s Girl’?

    A talented young writer (Jenna Ortega) embarks on a creative odyssey when her teacher (Martin Freeman) assigns a project that entangles them both in an increasingly complex web. As lines blur and their lives intertwine, professor and protégé must confront their darkest selves while straining to preserve their individual sense of purpose and the things they hold most dear.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Miller’s Girl’?

    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, 'Miller's Girl,' a Lionsgate release.
    Martin Freeman as Jonathan Miller in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘Miller’s Girl,’ a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    Movies Similar to ‘Miller’s Girl’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Miller’s Girl’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Jenna Ortega Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘Scream VI’ Loses Director Christopher Landon

    Christopher Landon attends Netflix's 'We Have A Ghost' Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Preview:

    • Director Christopher Landon announced via social media that he’s left the new ‘Scream’ Movie.
    • The move follows the firing of Melissa Barrera and the departure of co-star Jenna Ortega.
    • ‘Scream VII’ is currently not dated for release.

    ‘Scream VII’ is starting to feel like a victim of its own iconic Ghostface killer, hunted down by the forces of bad luck and bad karma. The latest strike is the departure of director Christopher Landon, who follows stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega away from the movie (the actors departed for different reasons, more on that below).

    Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’ was hired back in August to take over stewardship of the new movie after Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with last year’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’.

    xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6

    Christopher Landon on his departure

    Christopher Landon attends Netflix's 'We Have A Ghost' Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Landon, in a twitter post, explained his moving on and the reasons for it:

    “I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited ‘Scream 7’ weeks ago. This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on. I have nothing more to add to the conversation other than I hope Wes’ legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world. What he and Kevin created is something amazing and I was honored to have even the briefest moment basking in their glow.”

    Related Article: ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky’ Director Christopher Landon Hired For ‘Scream VII’

    Why is Jenna Ortega not returning for the seventh ‘Scream’ movie?

    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday'
    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Officially, the story, according to Deadline is one of scheduling issues brought about because of the actors’ strike –– Ortega has a few days’ work left to complete ‘Beetlejuice 2’ and will spend a chunk of next year filming the second season of hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ in Ireland.

    With ‘Scream’ looking to get the movie going ahead now the strikes are over, it appeared she simply won’t have time to make both projects.

    We’re still not certain why Spyglass (and studio Paramount) couldn’t simply hit pause until Ortega had space in her schedule, but of course the franchise needs to rumble on.

    Yet the timing is also intriguing given the other big ‘Scream’ wrinkle…

    What happened with Melissa Barrera and ‘Scream’?

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Why are we a little suspicious of the timing? The Ortega news arrives one day after her co-star Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

    While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions on Jews.

    ‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

    “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

    When will ‘Scream VII’ be released?

    With no director and a likely need for big re-writes to accommodate a casting change, ‘Scream VII’ is on pause for now and has no set release date.

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Movies in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

    0z9EbEVy

  • Jenna Ortega Won’t Star in ‘Scream VII’

    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday'
    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Preview:

    • Jenna Ortega is no longer appearing in ‘Scream VII’.
    • She reportedly has a schedule clash with filming ‘Wednesday’ Season 2.
    • The news comes just as co-star Melissa Barrera is dropped from the film over controversial social media posts.

    The ‘Scream’ franchise has been hit with a one-two punch of its main stars departing.

    Today brings word that Jenna Ortega, who has played Tara Carpenter for the most recent two entries (directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett), will not return for the seventh installment.

    xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6

    Why is Jenna Ortega not returning for the seventh ‘Scream’ movie?

    Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in 'Wednesday.'
    Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in ‘Wednesday.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2022.

    Officially, the story, according to Deadline is one of scheduling issues brought about because of the actors’ strike –– Ortega has a few days’ work left to complete ‘Beetlejuice 2’ and will spend a chunk of next year filming the second season of hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ in Ireland.

    With the ‘Scream’ team (including incoming director Christopher Landon, who was hired to make the new movie back in August) looking to get the movie going ahead now the strikes are over, it appears she simply won’t have time to make both projects.

    We’re still not certain why Spyglass (and studio Paramount) couldn’t simply hit pause until Ortega had space in her schedule, but of course the franchise needs to rumble on.

    Yet the timing is also intriguing given the other big ‘Scream’ wrinkle…

    What happened with Melissa Barrera and ‘Scream’?

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Why are we a little suspicious of the timing? The Ortega news arrives one day after her co-star Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for controversial social media posts.

    ‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

    “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

    And Landon put his own statement on Twitter, but then deleted it:

    “This is my statement: 💔 Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”

    What’s next for ‘Scream’?

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

    Obviously losing its two main stars (Ortega in particular had been a big draw for the last couple of movies) is a huge issue for the ‘Scream’ series, and it’ll mean some serious reconsideration in creative terms.

    There are certainly paths forward, including a movie that returns the focus to the surviving veteran cast, including Courteney Cox (and potentially backing a dump truck full of money to Neve Campbell’s house to try and tempt her back after she skipped the most recent film) or going the reboot route completely with a fresh cast trying survive Ghostface’s stalk-and-slash machinations.

    Related Article: Jenna Ortega in Talks to Star in ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel With Tim Burton Directing

    When will the next ‘Scream’ movie be in theaters?

    As of now, the new ‘Scream’ is not far enough along to lock down a release date. Especially given that it’ll need a giant re-write…

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin) and Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin) star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin) and Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin) star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Movies in the ‘Scream’ franchise:

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

    0z9EbEVy

  • Tim Burton Says ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is “99% done”

    Tim Burton attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday' on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
    Tim Burton attends the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Netflix.

    It’s hard to avoid the biggest story in entertainment right now –– the fact that obstinate studios refuse to offer decent deals to writers and actors so that they might be able to earn a fair living, which has resulted in strikes by the unions.

    One of the movies affected by the industrial action, which has effectively brought production in Hollywood and by the bigger companies (some independents have waivers to continue work). And that includes the long-awaited ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel, ‘Beetlejuice 2,’ being overseen by director Tim Burton.

    According to a new interview with the filmmaker in UK newspaper Independent, he was achingly close to finishing the movie when the shutdown occurred.

    uLTv9GLrkBg9Jyg4AV3il3

    Burton on ‘Beetlejuice 2’s progress

    Director Tim Burton in 'Wednesday.'
    Director Tim Burton in ‘Wednesday.’ Cr. Tomasz Lazar/Netflix © 2022.

    Here’s what he said:

    “I feel grateful we got what we got. Literally, it was a day and a half. We know what we have to do. It is 99% done.”

    And he’s sorry to have had to stop working on it, since it was giving him a chance to have fun making a movie:

    “I really enjoyed it. I tried to strip everything and go back to the basics of working with good people and actors and puppets. It was kind of like going back to why I liked making movies.”

    Related Article: ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel Adds Willem Dafoe to its Ever-Expanding Cast

    What’s the story of ‘Beetlejuice 2’?

    Jenna Ortega and Tim Burton attend the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday' on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L to R) Jenna Ortega and Tim Burton attend the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Little has been officially announced about the movie, which has a script credited to Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Mike Vukadinovich, but it will catch up with the family of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, who now has a daughter (played by ‘Wednesday’s Jenna Ortega’), with her stepmother, Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara) also involved.

    And, of course, it’ll see the return Michael Keaton’s “bio-exorcist”, a chaotic ghost who specializes in ridding houses of living beings, and who caused so much trouble for Lydia in the 1988 original.

    Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos told The Wrap this about the movie’s tone:

    “At its heart ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is a story about a family. And now it’s 30 years later and what are the intricacies and the human condition in keeping a family together all that time set in the craziest world possible?”

    Burton on A.I.

    Director Tim Burton, Cinematographer David Lazenberg in 'Wednesday.'
    (L to R) Director Tim Burton, Cinematographer David Lazenberg in ‘Wednesday.’ Cr. Tomasz Lazar/Netflix © 2022.

    Worries about artificial intelligence being used as a way to replace creative humans is a core issue of the strikes. And it’s something that Burton himself is not too keen on either.

    A Buzzfeed article used the technology to imagine creepy Burton versions of classic Disney characters such as Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. The director admits that some were “very good”, but still doesn’t like the idea.

    This was Burton’s take:

    “I can’t describe the feeling it gives you. It reminded me of when other cultures say, ‘Don’t take my picture because it is taking away your soul. What it does is it sucks something from you. It takes something from your soul or psyche; that is very disturbing, especially if it has to do with you. It’s like a robot taking your humanity, your soul.”

    Assuming it can be finished in time, ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is scheduled to be released on September 6th, 2024.

    Tim Burton attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday' on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
    Tim Burton attends the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beetlejuice 2:’

    Buy Tim Burton Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘Freaky’s Christopher Landon Directing Seventh ‘Scream’ Movie

    Christopher Landon attends Netflix's 'We Have A Ghost' Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Having directed the last two ‘Scream’ movies, the fifth (just titled ‘Scream’, confusingly) and sixth, ‘Scream VI’, you might think that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett would be a shoo-in to handle the seventh, spawned because of the success of their two efforts.

    But the duo, who work as part of the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence, are even more in demand than they were before they jumped into the world of genre-obsessed Ghostface killers and have since parlayed that success into the chance to make an original horror movie for Universal that taps into the studio’s stock of classic characters and concepts.

    That still mysterious movie has Dan Stevens, ‘Scream’s Melissa Barrera and ‘Matilda the Musical’s Alisha Weir attached to star, but obviously cannot move forward while the actors’ and writers’ strikes continue.

    So now Spyglass, the company which produces the ‘Scream’ movies (for distribution usually through Paramount), has hired a new director for the franchise: Christopher Landon, according to Bloody Disgusting’s sources (and since confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter).

    mEm8Zq5l2ZkjmSmCSSuBE7

    Who is Christopher Landon?

    Christopher Landon attends Netflix's 'We Have A Ghost' Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
    Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Landon is a respected writer/director in the horror field, having brought movies such as ‘Happy Death Day’, ‘Freaky’, and, most recently, the family-friendlier ‘We Have a Ghost’ for Netflix to screens.

    He’s also been behind several entries of the ‘Paranormal Activity’ franchise and wrote the script for 2007 thriller ‘Disturbia’ among others.

    Landon certainly has the chops to bring something fresh to the ‘Scream’ world, especially since his past work, like the Radio Silence team has shown a willingness to play with genre and explore ways to sidestep cliches.

    Where does the next ‘Scream’ movie stand?

    Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Of course, while Landon can be hired and do some directorial prep work for a new ‘Scream’, the movie itself will have to wait until the strikes are over, since unless a script has already been developed (no word is mentioned in either report as to whether James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, who wrote the last two films, had been at work on the new one). And regardless, given his usual writing and directing style, Landon may want to take his own crack at the screenplay, something he can’t do until the Writers Guild of America has a new deal in place.

    Related Article: ‘Scream VI’ Brings Ghostface to New York for More Franchise Fun

    Who will star in the new ‘Scream’ movie?

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Much like with the script, casting can’t officially move forward on the new ‘Scream’ until the actors’ strike is over. But we can reasonably assume that the current set of survivors, including Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Mason Gooding, are candidates to be back.

    Of course, they’re all much more in demand themselves these days (especially Ortega, who between these movies and ‘Wednesday’, has much higher profile and will likely require a new deal to return?) so expect negotiations to kick in properly once the actors can actually return.

    ‘Scream VII’, or whatever it ends up being called, has yet to be officially announced, so there’s no word on a release date.

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Scream VII:’

    Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

     

  • Willem Dafoe Cast in ‘Beetlejuice 2’

    Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis' 'Inside,' a Focus Features release.
    Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis’ ‘Inside,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Wolfgang Ennenbach / Focus Features.

    As the cameras continue to roll in the UK under the direction of Tim Burton, the sequel to 1988 cult fantasy comedy horror ‘Beetlejuice’ is adding to its cast.

    So far, the movie’s ensemble has been a mix of returning cast from the original movie and some new additions as the story moves forward into the present day.

    The original, as you may know, saw a couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) getting into an accident while driving home to their dream house. When they realize that A) they’re now dead and B) that their house has been sold to an extremely annoying new family (including Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, who forms a bond with them), they engage the services of a “bio-exorcist” from the Netherworld. Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) promises to rid them of the frustrating new dwellers, but his chaotic style ends up threatening everyone.

    uLTv9GLrkBg9Jyg4AV3il3

    Who is starring in ‘Beetlejuice 2’?

    Keaton and Ryder are back alongside Catherine O’Hara, who played Delia Deetz’, Lydia’s stepmother) with ‘Scream’s Jenna Ortega (who starred for Burton in the recent Netflix hit ‘Addams Family’ spin-off ‘Wednesday’) playing Ryder’s daughter and Monica Bellucci (reportedly as Betelgeuse’s wife) and Justin Theroux as new recruits.

    And Willem Dafoe is joining them to play a ghostly police officer, according to Giant Freakin’ Robot.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    Related Article: Monica Bellucci Joins ‘Beetlejuice 2’, Reportedly as the Title Character’s Wife

    The ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel so far

    1988’s ‘Beetlejuice’ saw the spirits of a deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) harassed by an unbearable family (Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz, Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz and Ryder as Charles’ daughter, along with various assistants and hangers-on) that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit (Keaton’s Betelgeuse, which is how his name is spelled) to drive them out.

    But when Betelgeuse’s malicious chaos becomes too much, the ghostly couple team up with Lydia to try and stop him. Famously, he’s summoned by saying his name three times.

    Burton enjoyed making ‘Beetlejuice’ enough that in 1990 hired Jonathan Gems to write a sequel called ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’, which would have seen the Deetz’ head to the island nation to open a resort, only to build on the burial ground of an ancient Hawaiian Kahuna. The spirit comes back from the afterlife to cause trouble, and Betelgeuse’s services are once more reluctantly required.

    The idea languished in development for nearly a decade, going through different scripts and potential writers (including ‘Heathers’ Daniel Waters, who instead went to work on ‘Batman Returns’ for Burton and Kevin Smith, who turned down the idea in favor of the similarly doomed ‘Superman Lives’), before ending its limbo status in apparent failure around 1997.

    Yet after years of official silence, Warner Bros. decided to try again, hiring Seth Grahame-Smith to write a script that would set the story in contemporary times with Ryder and Burton back. But even that didn’t turn into anything, despite Mike Vukadinovich re-writing the script.

    The current version boasts a script from ‘Wednesday’ creators and Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.

    ‘Beetlejuice 2’ should be in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beetlejuice 2:’

    Buy Monica Bellucci Movies On Amazon

     

  • Monica Bellucci Added to ‘Beetlejuice 2’

    Monica Bellucci in 'Mafia Mamma.'
    Monica Bellucci in ‘Mafia Mamma.’ Courtesy of Bleecker Street.

    After spending decades in development limbo (more on that below), the sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 supernatural comedy ‘Beetlejuice‘ is at last in production, with Burton back calling the shots in the UK.

    Cast-wise, Michael Keaton from the original is back as the title character alongside Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as her stepmother.

    New this time? ‘Scream’s Jenna Ortega (who starred for Burton in the recent Netflix hit ‘Addams Family’ spin-off ‘Wednesday’) as Ryder’s daughter and more recently, Justin Theroux in an unknown role.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, Monica Bellucci is also joining the cast of ‘Beetlejuice 2,’ and is reportedly set as Betelgeuse’s (yes, that’s how it is spelled) wife. Otherwise, plot details are being kept in a mysterious desert otherworld roamed by sandworms.

    uLTv9GLrkBg9Jyg4AV3il3

    Related Article: Jenna Ortega in Talks to Star in ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel With Tim Burton Directing

    The story of the Beetlejuice sequel

    1988’s ‘Beetlejuice’ saw the spirits of a deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) harassed by an unbearable family (Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz, O’Hara as Delia Deetz and Ryder as Charles’ daughter, along with various assistants and hangers-on) that has moved into their home and hire an oddball spirit (Keaton’s Betelgeuse) to drive them out.

    But when Betelgeuse’s malicious chaos becomes too much, the ghostly couple team up with Lydia to try and stop him. Famously, he’s summoned by saying his name three times.

    Burton enjoyed making ‘Beetlejuice’ enough that in 1990 hired Jonathan Gems to write a sequel called ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’, which would have seen the Deetz’ head to the island nation to open a resort, only to build on the burial ground of an ancient Hawaiian Kahuna. The spirit comes back from the afterlife to cause trouble, and Betelgeuse’s services are once more reluctantly required.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    The idea languished in development for nearly a decade, going through different scripts and potential writers (including ‘Heathers’ Daniel Waters, who instead went to work on ‘Batman Returns’ for Burton and Kevin Smith, who turned down the idea in favor of the similarly doomed ‘Superman Lives’), before ending its limbo status in apparent failure around 1997.

    Yet after years of official silence, Warner Bros. decided to try again, hiring Seth Grahame-Smith to write a script that would set the story in contemporary times with Ryder and Burton back. But even that didn’t turn into anything, despite Mike Vukadinovich re-writing the script.

    Now, though, it’s officially back on, boasting a script from ‘Wednesday’ creators and Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.

    We’re almost surprised to see that Eva Green (who has worked twice with Burton already) didn’t snag the role, but we’re definitely interested in whatever Bellucci does with the character.

    ‘Beetlejuice 2’, or whatever it ends up titled, should be in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

    Dan Stevens in 2014's 'The Guest.'
    Dan Stevens in 2014’s ‘The Guest.’

    In other casting news, Dan Stevens is going from giant monsters (he’s part of the cast of ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’) to more mysterious ones as the actor is joining the cast of an untitled new Universal creature feature being guided by the Radio Silence team behind the last couple of ‘Scream’ movies.

    Radio Silence, in case you forget, includes directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, plus producer Chad Villella among their number. This is something the trio has been wanting to make since their first stab at Scream, but the success of that movie led them to put it hold to focus on the sequel. Now, they’re shifting back to the monster movie.

    ‘Scream’s Melissa Barrera is on board to star, with ‘Matilda The Musical’s Alisha Weir also in the cast. The script was written by Stephen Shields, with revisions by Guy Busick.

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    What is the new movie about?

    And even more than the ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel, the details are being locked away in a coffin, though there has been serious speculation that it could be a version of ‘Dracula’s Daughter’, with the story revolving around a young girl kidnapped by a gang, whose supernatural parentage causes real problems for the criminals. Weir has been tipped as the daughter, with Barrera as one of the gang. Stevens’ role is truly unknown right now, but we could certainly see him as Dracula, were that to be the case.

    Again, nothing has been officially revealed, but it’ll be fun to see what the Radio Silence gang does unleashed on another venerable horror franchise. With luck, it’ll turn out to be as entertaining as ‘The Invisible Man’ or ‘Renfield’ (and Universal will be hoping for more box office success than the latter).

    As for Stevens, as mentioned above, he’s just finished reuniting with ‘The Guest’ director Adam Wingard for the latest entry in Warner Bros./Legendary’s “Monsterverse”, playing an unknown human in the movie, which sees the giant creatures facing off a new threat that has ties to the origins of all the “titan” monsters that have been stomping around in the film series so far (at least, as far as anyone outside the production knows right now).

    Most recently seen in last year’s romantic comedy ‘Spin Me Round’ and heard as one of the characters in animated adventure ‘The Sea Beast’ (clearly the man has a thing for creatures), Stevens will also crop up in horror movie ‘Cuckoo’.

    Radio Silence has certainly proven they know how to create good horror movies, and with the added paranormal/monstrous element, we’re also thinking how much fun their ‘Ready or Not’ turned out to be. This will be one to watch, but there’s no sign yet of a release date for this one.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beetlejuice 2:’

    Buy Monica Bellucci Movies On Amazon

     

  • Justin Theroux joins ‘Beetlejuice 2’

    Justin Theroux in HBO's 'The Leftovers.'
    Justin Theroux in HBO’s ‘The Leftovers.’

    Tim Burton’s 1988 cult hit ‘Beetlejuice’ not only saw him work for the first time with Michael Keaton (who would go on to star as Burton’s Batman for two movies about the Caped Crusader, and then crop up in the director’s 2019 Disney live-action effort ‘Dumbo’), but also cemented him as a director whose kooky, oddball style could succeed at the box office.

    It was popular enough to generate a big fan following, a wealth of merchandise and even a Broadway musical adaptation. But even with its enduring popularity, a sequel has been a long time coming.

    That all changes now that ‘Beetlejuice 2’ is finally ready to kick off shooting, with Burton back calling the shots in the UK today. Cast-wise, Keaton and Winona Ryder (who played disaffected teen Lydia Deetz) are back, with ‘Scream VI’s Jenna Ortega (who starred for Burton in the recent Netflix hit ‘Addams Family’ spin-off ‘Wednesday’) playing Ryder’s daughter.

    Now we know that Justin Theroux is also aboard in an unknown role.

    So, how did we get here?

    uLTv9GLrkBg9Jyg4AV3il3

    The story of the Beetlejuice sequel

    1988’s ‘Beetlejuice’ saw the spirits of a deceased couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) harassed by an unbearable family (Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz, Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz and Ryder as Charles’ daughter, along with various assistants and hangers-on) that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit (Keaton’s Betelgeuse, which is how his name is spelled) to drive them out.

    But when Betelgeuse’s malicious chaos becomes too much, the ghostly couple team up with Lydia to try and stop him. Famously, he’s summoned by saying his name three times.

    Burton enjoyed making ‘Beetlejuice’ enough that in 1990 hired Jonathan Gems to write a sequel called ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’, which would have seen the Deetz’ head to the island nation to open a resort, only to build on the burial ground of an ancient Hawaiian Kahuna. The spirit comes back from the afterlife to cause trouble, and Betelgeuse’s services are once more reluctantly required.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    Related Article: Jenna Ortega in Talks to Star in ‘Beetlejuice’ Sequel With Tim Burton Directing

    The idea languished in development for nearly a decade, going through different scripts and potential writers (including ‘Heathers’ Daniel Waters, who instead went to work on ‘Batman Returns’ for Burton and Kevin Smith, who turned down the idea in favor of the similarly doomed ‘Superman Lives’), before ending its limbo status in apparent failure around 1997.

    Yet after years of official silence, Warner Bros. decided to try again, hiring Seth Grahame-Smith to write a script that would set the story in contemporary times with Ryder and Burton back. But even that didn’t turn into anything, despite Mike Vukadinovich re-writing the script.

    Now, though, Deadline reports that it’s officially back on, boasting a script from ‘Wednesday’ creators and Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.

    ‘Beetlejuice 2’, or whatever it ends up titled, should be in theaters on September 6th, 2024.

    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988's 'Beetlejuice.'
    Michael Keaton as Betelgeuse in 1988’s ‘Beetlejuice.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beetlejuice 2:’

    Buy Tim Burton Movies On Amazon

     

  • Jenna Ortega Circling ‘Beetlejuice 2’

    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix's 'Wednesday'
    Jenna Ortega attends the world premiere of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ on November 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Looks like her experiences –– aside from a few script issues –– on Netflix’s hit ‘Wednesday’ series were positive for Jenna Ortega, who appears to have enjoyed working with Tim Burton, who directed a clutch of the episodes.

    Because she’s now looking to reunite with him for the long-in-the-works sequel to his quirksome ghost comedy ‘Beetlejuice’.

    According to Jeff Sneider, Ortega is seriously considering a lead role in the new movie, which would continue the story of Burton’s 1988 film, with Michael Keaton also aiming to return as the title character, a mischievous spirit who looks to help ghosts exorcise the living from their homes.

    uLTv9GLrkBg9Jyg4AV3il3

    Related Article: Netflix Renews ‘Wednesday’ for Season 2

    What’s the story so far for the ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel?

    Though the original is a popular movie and a favorite from the director’s resume for plenty of people, it has been a long road to screens for the follow-up, which is still not 100% locked down.

    The earliest reports of a sequel sprang up in 1990, with word of a movie called ‘Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian’, with Jonathan Gems coming up with a concept that blended the circus goth vibe of the character with a beach movie. But Burton’s involvement with the ‘Batman‘ universe sank forward movement on that front, but that wasn’t the end of the potential movie.

    In the years that followed, the likes of Kevin Smith, Seth Grahame-Smith and most recently Mike Vukadinovich taking a crack at a script, but nothing that sparked Burton’s interest enough to commit to return to the world of the character.

    This Ortega development shows real potential, though, as the actress, who is in demand following last year’s one-two punch of ‘Scream’ and ‘Wednesday’ could help the movie finally get made.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the production is aiming for a late May or early June start of shooting in London, but while we’re sure Warner Bros. would want to get this one moving at last, there is no budget set and neither Burton, Keaton nor Ortega are officially committed. It is, at least, the most positive step forward in a long time.

    Ortega recently said this to The Hollywood Reporter about working with Burton:

    “It’s been quite an insane experience. I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to work with an iconic director who just so happens to be one of the sweetest directors I’ve worked with, and also the most detail-oriented.”

    Right now, the idea is that Ortega would be the daughter of Lydia (Winona Ryder in the original, who may return for the new movie) but otherwise the story is a mystery.

    As for Ortega on the big screen, she’s reprising the role of Tara Carpenter in ‘Scream VI’, which slashes into theaters on March 10th.

    Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    (L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Beetlejuice 2:’

    Buy Tim Burton Movies On Amazon