AlthoughBeetlejuice Beetlejuicewas a huge box office hit, this ironically proves just how unlikely it is for directorTim Burtonto make another $1 billion movie. ByBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s ending, it was clear that the old Tim Burton was back. The unique fusion of Gothic horror elements and zany cartoon humor that had animated the director’s best movies returned in the belated sequel, which could stand alongsideSleepy Hollow,Batman Returns,Big Fish, or the originalBeetlejuiceas one of his best. DespiteBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s plot holes, the movie brought back Burton’s sense of fun.
Beetlejuice 2 Cast & Returning Character Guide
Several iconic actors from the original are returning for Beetlejuice 2, and they’ll be joined in the sequel by exciting new additions to the cast.
Audiences evidently agreed asBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis the third highest-grossing movie of Burton’s entire career. This box office success makesBeetlejuice 3much more likely, particularly considering what Burton’s other two highest performers were. The only Burton movies that made more thanBeetlejuice Beetlejuicewere 2010’sAlice in Wonderlandand 2005’sCharlie and the Chocolate Factory, both of which were remakes rather than original efforts.Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewas also comfortably Burton’s biggest hit in 14 years and, notably, the horror comedy sequel was the director’s most critically acclaimed live-action movie since 2007’s horror musical hybridSweeney Todd.
Why Tim Burton Is Unlikely To Ever Make Another $1 Billion Movie
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Proves Burton Is Moving Away From Major Blockbusters
2012’sFrankenweeniedid beat the sequel according to critics, but this just reaffirms the fact thatBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceproves Burton is at his best when revisiting his early hits.Beetlejuice Beetlejuicewas the most exciting movie the director has made in a long time precisely because, as a follow-up to his early career hit, the sequel was also the most purely Burton movie he made sinceFrankenweenie. WhileBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s $450 million worldwide box office is extremely impressive, it proves that Burton’s work won’t attract a $1 billion payday. The director’s unique vision results in his movies always having limited appeal.
2010’s Alice in Wonderland is one of Burton’s weakest movies and its astronomical box office success did not help its director in the following years.
This is not a bad thing, sinceBeetlejuice Beetlejuicemanaged to make almost half a billion on a budget of only $100 million while staying true to Burton’s vision. While making a $1 billion movie is rarely outright bad, it can sometimes mean making one of the worst movies in your career. 2010’sAlice in Wonderlandis one ofBurton’s weakest movies, and its astronomical box office success did not help its director in the following years. A string of critical failures likeMiss Peregrine’s Home for Unusual Children,Dark Shadows,Big Eyes, andDumbofollowedAlice in Wonderland.
$150 million
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35%
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87%
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$110 million
$296.5 million
65%
$170 million
$353.3 million
46%
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s Success Is Far Better For Tim Burton Than Alice In Wonderland
Burton’s Unique Style Was Flattened In 2010’s Live-Action Disney Movie
For Burton, makingBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceinto a $450 million hit is arguably a bigger success than delivering a $1 billion hit withAlice in Wonderland. Not only didBeetlejuice Beetlejuicefare far better with critics, but it is also Burton’s movie, on his terms, rather than a studio-driven remake that could have come from any journeyman. The sequel might not be a billion-dollar success, but this is ironically a good thing. After all, it means that Burton’s next project will be led by passion rather than potential profits.Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceprovesTim Burtoncan make hits while maintaining his unique voice.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuiceis now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
