Warning: This post contains spoilers for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, writer Miles Millar delves into the development of Charles Deetz’s memorable death scene, highlighting its homage to Tim Burton’s early career. Originally portrayed by Jeffrey Jones, Charles is Lydia Deetz’s (played by Winona Ryder) father and Delia’s (Catherine O’Hara) husband. He meets his demise when his plane crashes into the ocean, and a shark devours his upper body. Charles’ headless ghost, performed by an unidentified actor, wanders the Afterlife, with his death depicted through a heavily stylized stop-motion animation flashback.
Millar revealed to Forbes that they chose to illustrate Charles’ demise in a way that few might anticipate. From the movie’s initial development stages, this sequence was always intended to be in stop-motion, paying homage to Burton’s foundational work in animation, including his contributions to The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, and Frankenweenie. Millar reflects on this creative decision:
“The script’s depiction of Charles’ death was always intended as stop-motion. We believed it would be a delightful nod to Tim’s stop-motion films and an intriguing way to convey that depth. It was something we anticipated Tim would appreciate, and he did. Having collaborated with him on Wednesday, we have an understanding of what resonates with him. Being long-time admirers of his craft, we aim to infuse as much inspiration into the scripts as possible, allowing him to draw creativity from that—it’s our preferred method of collaboration. We ensure the scripts are rich in description, hoping to inspire further ideas or provide a foundational blueprint.”
How Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Navigated One of Its Most Challenging Character Revivals
Jeffrey Jones’ Legal Issues Rendered His Return Highly Improbable
The decision to exclude Jones from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, despite the return of much of the original cast, is understandable. In 2002, Jones faced legal issues related to possession and solicitation of child pornography, ultimately pleading no contest to the latter charge. Consequently, not only was his character excluded from the sequel, but he was also written out in a particularly graphic manner. This decision might surprise some, who may have expected a more understated exit for Charles in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Despite these challenges, the sequel manages to revisit the Beetlejuice universe satisfyingly while appropriately distancing itself from the disgraced actor.
Charles appears in several scenes wandering the Afterlife, trying to comprehend his new existence. In a manner befitting the franchise’s macabre tone, Charles’ upper body and head have been bitten away by the shark, eliminating the need for Jones’ likeness. Instead, a new physical and vocal portrayal is delivered by as-yet-unnamed performers. Additionally, Charles’ continued presence facilitates a fulfilling conclusion to Delia’s storyline, allowing her to reunite with her husband and pass on with minimal regrets.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Ending Explained: What's Next For Betelgeuse & The Deetz Family
Incorporating Charles into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s narrative was a complex task due to the gravity of Jones’ offenses. Nevertheless, it’s evident that Millar, Gough, Burton, and the entire cast and crew embraced the challenge, opting for inventive and distinctive storytelling methods without sacrificing potential or integrity. As a result, the sequel successfully revisits the Beetlejuice world while appropriately excluding the disgraced actor.
Source: Forbes
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.
