Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!
As the two characters make their long-awaited return to the screen, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice writer Albert Gough sheds light on the significance of Lydia’s age-gap remark directed at the titular spirit. In the 2024 follow-up to Tim Burton’s 1988 horror comedy, it’s unveiled that although Michael Keaton’s Betelgeuse was banished back to the afterlife, he continued to haunt Lydia through a shared psychic bond, eager to exploit their connection to re-enter the world of the living. Despite his persistent attempts to secure their marriage, Lydia and her family ultimately send him back to the other side in the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice conclusion, yet their connection persists.
Following the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice conclusion, where Lydia sends the Ghost With the Most back to the Afterlife, Gough spoke with Entertainment Weekly to elaborate on how Lydia’s closing line addresses their complex history. The writer noted that this line allowed the film to humorously address elements of their past that hadn’t aged well. Read Gough’s complete response below:
As you know, when you revisit something from 30 years ago, you’re like, ‘Wow! We were all okay with that in the ’80s.’ You sometimes forget, even when you introduce these beloved movies to your kids. You’re like, ‘Oh! That’s a bit questionable.’ But I think it’s enjoyable to avoid repeating some of those things in the sequel.
How Does Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Explore Lydia & Betelgeuse’s Relationship?
The Sequel Delves Into Lydia’s Fears
In the original Beetlejuice, Lydia and Betelgeuse’s marriage is one of convenience, with Lydia aiming to save the Maitlands and Betelgeuse seeking entry into the real world. Despite this, his sleazy demeanor, mistreatment of Barbara (Geena Davis) and Delia (Catherine O’Hara), and his then-unseen wife reveal his lack of respect for women, an attitude that extends to Lydia. Consequently, subsequent adaptations like the animated series and Broadway musical portrayed their relationship differently, while Beetlejuice Beetlejuice examines its enduring impact on Lydia.
Her final words to Betelgeuse not only confront their problematic relationship but also demonstrate her courage in facing her fears.
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Lydia is portrayed as being afraid of Betelgeuse, experiencing panic whenever he uses their connection to materialize in the real world, prompting her to consider destroying the Maitlands’ Winter River model to escape his hold. However, when Astrid (Jenna Ortega) faces the threat of being condemned to the afterlife, Lydia confronts her fears and calls upon him for assistance. Thus, her concluding words to Betelgeuse not only address their problematic relationship but also highlight her bravery in confronting her fears.
Who Delores Is In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Her Death, Betelgeuse Marriage, Powers & Revenge Plan Explained
While some fans and even Ryder herself support the relationship between Betelgeuse and Lydia, it’s evident that their dynamic in the sequel remains largely one-sided. Although there are similarities in their struggles with possessive partners exploiting them for selfish purposes, Betelgeuse is equally culpable, even if over three decades of yearning have fostered some genuine emotions on his part. Consequently, Lydia’s final line to the Bio-exorcist in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice serves as a definitive statement clarifying their relationship.
Source: EW
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.
