Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
WhileBeetlejuice Beetlejuicefeatures a lot of nods to classic Tim Burton movies, the sequel also includes a subtle reference to one of starJenna Ortega’s other major roles. Jenna Ortega has made a name for herself as a horror icon in recent years, beginning with her supporting role in 2020’sThe Babysitter: Killer Queen. This was followed by a role in 2022’s Ti West slasherXand a lead role in 2022’sScream, a reboot of the iconic meta-slasher series. Later that year, Ortega cemented her genre legend status with Tim Burton’sAddams FamilyspinoffWednesday.
In Defense Of Astrid’s Attitude Toward Lydia In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Astrid is notably cruel to her mom, Lydia, for much of Beetlejuice 2, but the sequel examines why Jenna Ortega’s character is no average teenager.
In 2023, Ortega reprised the role ofScream2022’s heroine Tara inScream VI.2024’sBeetlejuicesequelBeetlejuice Beetlejuiceis her first horror movie since that slasher sequel and, likeScream VI,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicehas proven a huge hit with audiences and critics alike.Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s endingleaves the door open to a third installment in Tim Burton’s horror comedy series, and this seems a lot more likely after the movie’s $330 million box office success. Appropriately enough, oneBeetlejuice Beetlejuicescene features a hidden nod to one of the star’s most lucrative earlier roles.
Jenna Ortega’s Astrid Makes A Scream Reference In Beetlejuice 2
Astrid References The Iconic Painting That Inspired Scream’s Ghostface
InBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ortega’s Astrid mentions the fact that she dressed up as Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” in second grade for Halloween. This gag is an indirect nod to her roles inScream 2022andScream VI, sincetheScreamfranchise’s iconic Ghostface costume is based on Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.”Munch’s painting provided the visual inspiration for the franchise’s killer, who dons a mask that the original movie reveals is a cheap generic Halloween costume available from “Every five and dime in the state.” Astrid’s choice of costume is fitting, given Ortega’s history with the franchise.
Ortega has already starred in enough iconic screen roles for Burton’s sequel to feature various Easter eggs referencing her onscreen oeuvre.
Although Ortega didn’t play Ghostface in either of theScreammovies she starred in, she is still a suspect in both slasher movies. Later,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicereferences Ortega’sWednesdayrolewith a nod to her viral dance scene from the Netflix series. Despite her youth, Ortega has already starred in enough iconic screen roles for Burton’s sequel to feature various Easter eggs referencing her onscreen oeuvre. There are also nods to both Disney and Netflix, the former of which was Burton’s earliest Hollywood employer and the latter of which produced seasons 1 and 2 ofWednesday.
Scream Isn’t Jenna Ortega’s Only Past Role Referenced In Beetlejuice 2
Beetlejuice 2 Also References Burton and Ortega’s Earlier Collaboration Wednesday
The most obvious nod to Ortega’s role inWednesdaycomes in the form ofBeetlejuice Beetlejuice’s reference to its dance scene, but there are more. There is an audience member of Lydia Deetz’s TV showGhost Housewho resemblesWednesday’s brother Pugsley, and a darkerBeetlejuice BeetlejuiceEaster egg that borrows from theAddams Familyspinoff. Like Ortega’sWednesdaylove interest Tyler,Astrid’sBeetlejuice Beetlejuicelove interest Jeremyis also revealed to be a duplicitous villain in the movie’s ending. Thus,Beetlejuice Beetlejuicecrams in nods to not one, but two iconic earlier roles fromJenna Ortega’s impressive back catalogue.
Jenna Ortega exited theScreamseries in November 2023, shortly after her co-star Melissa Barrera was fired.
