Unveiling the Mystery of Richard’s Death in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
In the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton’s iconic 1988 horror comedy, “Beetlejuice,” co-writer Alfred Gough sheds light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Lydia Deetz’s husband, Richard. Returning to the screen, Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia, now a television host dealing with personal struggles, including the loss of her father, a complex relationship with her daughter, and haunting memories of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). In this continuation, Lydia is romantically involved with producer Rory (Justin Theroux), but her late husband Richard, portrayed by Santiago Cabrera, remains a poignant figure in her life.
The Enigma of Richard’s Demise
Alfred Gough, in conversation with Collider, delves into the intricacies of Lydia’s relationship with the deceased Richard. Throughout the film, references to Richard’s death are sprinkled, yet the exact cause remains shrouded in mystery. Gough, alongside Tim Burton and fellow co-writer Miles Millar, purposefully leaves Richard’s fate ambiguous, inviting audiences to draw their own conclusions. Gough mentions:
“It’s very interesting because it’s something I vaguely recalled from the original. Upon revisiting the movie, I noticed the alignment with the theme. We deliberately kept the details obscure; it could have been an accident or something else entirely.”
Richard’s Legacy in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
Richard: A Cherished Yet Mysterious Figure
While “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” doesn’t delve deeply into Lydia’s past with Richard, it provides a glimpse into his character through simple yet meaningful portrayals. Richard is remembered fondly by those who knew him, passionately devoted to various causes. A photograph of him and his daughter, Astrid, at a rally illustrates his activism. Tragically, his life was cut short in the Amazon, with his body never recovered, suggesting an unresolved mystery.
Despite hints that Lydia and Richard’s romantic connection waned, they maintained amicable relations and shared pride in Astrid. The film’s depiction of Richard in the Afterlife as an immigration office employee offers a crucial clue to his fate. Like other deceased characters, Richard bears a physical reminder of his death, with piranhas hanging from him—creatures that ultimately led to his demise.
Interpreting Richard’s Fate
Was Richard a Victim of Misunderstanding?
Within “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Richard’s expedition to the Amazon is portrayed as a mission driven by his passion for environmental causes, possibly protesting deforestation. However, the specifics are left vague, suggesting his death might have been accidental rather than resulting from corporate conflict. The original “Beetlejuice” film hints at a possible interpretation of his death.
The original movie implies that many, if not all, government jobs in the Afterlife are held by those who ended their own lives. This notion is complicated in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” with Betelgeuse’s death by poisoned wine and Wolf Jackson’s (Willem Dafoe) implied accidental demise by grenade. These events may be considered self-inflicted, reflecting the Afterlife’s bizarre structure. Richard’s role in the Afterlife’s bureaucracy suggests he might have accidentally fallen into the water, his death another technicality adding him to the list of Afterlife employees.
Source: Collider
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- Comedy
- Supernatural
- Fantasy
- Horror
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
