If you’re a fan of quirky trivia, these Beetlejuice facts will give you a deeper look into the strange and unusual world of the 1988 cult classic.
From the original title (House Ghost, really?) to Michael Keaton’s limited screen time, there are plenty of fun tidbits that even the biggest fans might not know. As we gear up for the long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel, now is the perfect time to revisit the facts that made the original movie so memorable.
#1 Lydia Was Originally Supposed to Die in a Fire
Yes, you read that right! The first of our Beetlejuice facts is about Lydia. In the original script, Lydia (played by Winona Ryder) was supposed to die in a fire and join Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) in the afterlife.
Not exactly the kind of message you want to send to goth girls everywhere! Thankfully, that idea was ditched. Can you imagine Lydia leaving the land of the living so soon? Source: Yahoo.com
#2 The Original Title was House Ghost
Before Beetlejuice was Beetlejuice, it was almost called House Ghost. Talk about a snoozer of a title. To make things worse, another option was Scared Sheetless—which, okay, kind of hilarious, but still not quite what we’re going for. Beetlejuice just fits, right?
#3 Michael Keaton Took Inspiration from Groucho Marx
Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the fast-talking, chaotic ghost was iconic, but did you know his inspiration came from Groucho Marx?
The writers encouraged Keaton to channel a “Groucho Marx from hell” personality, giving Beetlejuice that quick wit and absurd, dark humor we all love.
#4 1989 Oscar for Best Makeup
While we all know Michael Keaton deserved ALL the awards, Beetlejuice did snag an Academy Award for Best Makeup in 1989. Those ghostly faces, creepy transformations, and that infamous afterlife waiting room made this award a no-brainer.
#5 Catherine O’Hara Initially Passed on Playing Delia
Hard to believe, but Catherine O’Hara—who we know and love as Delia Deetz—almost wasn’t in the movie! She originally declined the role, and Anjelica Huston was lined up to play the eccentric mom.
But everything worked out, and Catherine O’Hara brought that perfectly weird charm to Delia’s character. Also, she did the same thing with Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek—what a trendsetter!
Angelica Huston was originally cast to play Delia Deetz. I’m glad the stars aligned because no one can replace the great Catherine O’Hara.
#6 Betelgeuse Inspiration
Betelgeuse is a star in the constellation Orion and was what Beetlejuice was named after.
#7 Beetlejuice Only Appears for 17.5 Minutes
For a guy whose name is the title of the movie, Beetlejuice himself is only on screen for about 17.5 minutes in the original film.
In a 92-minute movie, that’s barely a blip, but somehow Keaton made every second count. This ghost with the most truly made the most of his time in the afterlife.
#8 The Beetlejuice Cartoon Series
If you didn’t know, Beetlejuice inspired a cartoon series that ran for 94 episodes. The show reimagined the relationship between Beetlejuice and Lydia, setting them up as pals in the Neitherworld.
Fun fact: the Maitlands didn’t make it into the cartoon version. source: Mental Floss
#9 Released on March 30, 1988
The original Beetlejuice hit theaters on March 30, 1988.
While many of us may have been too young to experience it in theaters, it’s a film that lives on through VHS tapes, reruns, and now, endless online memes. A true classic.
#10 Sandworm Beetlejuice Reference
The last of our Beetlejuice facts, we are talking about the beloved sandworm.So what is the Sandworm beetlejuice situation? Remember when Adam and Barbara Maitland die – they leave their house and end up in a alien desert populated by sandworms.
While they’re a freaky plot point, their meaning is left somewhat ambiguous. Some fans think they represent the dangers of the afterlife—or maybe Tim Burton just wanted to mess with us! Either way, they’re one of the movie’s most memorable visuals.
I always wondered what the reference to sandworms meant!
In Conclusion
Whether you’re learning about the inspiration behind Beetlejuice’s chaotic personality or discovering hidden details about Lydia’s original storyline, these Beetlejuice facts are bound to surprise and entertain.
And if you’re in the mood for more, check out our post on the funniest Beetlejuice memes that will have you laughing your way through the afterlife!