Listen, we’re all excited for Michael Keaton’s return as Batman in “The Flash.” For a certain generation of movie nerds, that 1989 “Batman” movie was formative and Keaton became iconic in that role, despite fan outcry when “Mr. Mom” was cast as the Caped. Crusader. You’ll notice those people fell silent very quickly once the movie came out.
Regardless, I join all of my geeky brethren in excited anticipation of The Bat’s return, but if I’m going to be honest, the news that Keaton is returning for a “Beetlejuice” sequel is even more exciting to me.
Tim Burton’s original “Beetlejuice” was a seminal movie of my childhood and one that remains a top-tier Tim Burton movie. It’s kind of the perfect Burton movie that has all of his signature flair without completely overwhelming the story.
Today’s Tim Burton isn’t quite as hungry as the man who made the first movie, but Keaton back wreaking havoc as the ghost with more against a surely surreal Tim Burton backdrop will always thrill me.
If what Elfman hinted at is true and the movie starts shooting in a couple of months, that should mean we’ll be seeing casting announcements soon. Maybe Ortega will work out (again, she’s just a no-brainer for this world and only worked with Burton on “Wednesday”) and maybe we’ll bring back other legacy cast members. I’m supporting Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder. Jeffrey Jones… well, you can stay out, mate.