MacArthur Park: DeVito’s Surprise

Warning: This article contains spoilers from Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Netflix series Wednesday played a crucial role in the creation of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice beyond just casting Jenna Ortega. Tim Burton collaborated with the talented actress which led to her landing the role of Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia and granddaughter of Catherine O’Hara’s Delia. Additionally, Burton enlisted his Wednesday screenwriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar to write the screenplay.

The new “MacArthur Park” number

Once the script was finalized, the team worked on creating standout moments like the “MacArthur Park” musical ending where Beetlejuice attempts to marry Lydia in a unique way. This sequence involves a Halloween church ceremony, an interpretive dance, and a lip sync performance to the classic track.

The idea for the musical number stemmed from Burton’s personal jukebox, which included the original 1968 version of “MacArthur Park” by Richard Harris. The team crafted the sequence based on this track, aiming for a crazy and unexpected ending to the film.

To avoid repeating past musical moments, the team ensured that Beetlejuice took on a new role as the orchestrator of chaos in this particular scene, unlike the “Banana Boat (Day-O)” moment from the original film.

Danny DeVito’s cameo

Danny DeVito makes a memorable appearance as a ghost janitor in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reuniting with Burton and Keaton once again. His involvement in a crucial scene sets the tone for the film’s quirky and comedic atmosphere from the start.

DeVito’s surprise cameo was a highlight of the movie, with fans eagerly spotting him in the trailers. His quick acceptance of the role added an extra layer of fun to the film.

Justin Theroux’s Rory was inspired by Glenn Shadix’s Otho

Rory’s character was influenced by Otho from the original film, adding a familiar yet fresh dynamic to Lydia’s story. The evolution of Rory’s character showcased the complexities of Lydia’s relationships and added depth to the narrative.

Theroux’s contribution to the character further enriched the role, bringing in new ideas and perspectives that enhanced the final portrayal of Rory on screen.

“The 600-year age gap”

The witty dialogue in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice addressed the age gap between the characters, adding a humorous touch to the storyline. This self-aware approach to the original film’s content brought a modern perspective to the sequel.

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now showing in theaters. Discover more about the cut Maitlands cameo and the Charles Deetz death scenario in the film’s early draft.

FAQs

Q: Is Beetlejuice Beetlejuice a sequel to the original film?

A: Yes, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel to the cult classic Beetlejuice, continuing the story with new characters and adventures.

Q: How did the team approach incorporating musical numbers in the film?

A: The team drew inspiration from unique tracks like “MacArthur Park” to create memorable musical sequences that added to the film’s whimsical atmosphere.

Q: What role does Danny DeVito play in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?

A: Danny DeVito makes a cameo appearance as a ghost janitor, adding his comedic talent to the film’s ensemble cast.

Q: How did the character of Rory evolve throughout the script development?

A: Rory’s character underwent significant development to balance his complexity as Lydia’s partner while maintaining a comedic and relatable edge.

Q: In what ways does Beetlejuice Beetlejuice address fan discussions about the original film?

A: The film acknowledges fan conversations about the original’s content, adding humor and self-awareness to the storyline.

Credit: ew.com