Beetlejuicecreator Tim Burton has the sequel to his cult classic film coming out this September, but the iconic ghost could have been completely different if Burton had proceeded with his original casting plan. The 1988 comedy-horror sees a deceased couple hire the malicious spiritBeetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton)to drive a new family away from their home. The movie was so beloved among audiences that even after 36 years, moviegoers excitedly await the sequel,Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which has Winona Ryder and Keaton set to returnalongside Hollywood breakout Jenna Ortega.
It may seem like Keaton was a natural choice for the role of the titular character: The actor has the ability to capture Beetlejuice’s eccentricity in a way that is cinematically spectacular when paired with Burton’s eclectic imagery. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind thatwithout Keaton,Beetlejuicewould never have become the iconic piece of media that it is. However, Burton surprised the crowd in an interview with Conan O’Brien in 1999 when he revealed one of the things he couldn’t persuade his movie executives to agree with him on: his original choice for Beetlejuice.
Tim Burton Originally Wanted Sammy Davis Jr. To Play Beetlejuice
While he was onLate Night with Conan O’Brien, Burton was asked if there was anything his rising prominence in Hollywood couldn’t grant him. Burton laughed and saidhis original choice for Beetlejuice was Rat Pack member, Sammy Davis Jr. Born in Harlem, New York, in 1925, Sammy Davis Jr. made a name for himself as an actor, singer, comedian, and dancer, often being called the “greatest living entertainer in the world”. Burton said his studio executives said no to the concept, recalling their reaction as similar to “[showing]a cat something weird” or “a deer caught in headlights.”
Although it’s hard to imagine a world where Keaton doesn’t find his stardom in the wacky and comical ghoulish role, Davis Jr. would have unquestionably put an interesting spin on the antagonist. His electric charisma and expansive acting ability would’ve certainly given Hollywood an unforgettable Beetlejuice. Unfortunately,Sammy Davis Jr. passed away in 1990, so Burton never got to see his concept realized in a similarly rambunctious role for the entertainment legend. However, it’s inarguable that his initial disappointment was worth every second of theKeaton and Burton collaborationaudiences have benefited from for years after.
Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice Casting Created An Iconic Movie Partnership
In a 1990 episode of the talk showWogan, Keaton told Terry Wogan that he originally turned down the role of Beetlejuice multiple times. It was only when meeting, and trusting, Burton, that Keaton decided to really mull over the role, which he eventually accepted. Hindsight is absolutely 20/20, and fans across the world can be glad that Keaton didn’t stick to his initial decision, asthe iconic movie partnership between Keaton and Burton gave Hollywood the superhero moviesthat sparked a change so drastic it can still be seen in the movie releases today.
…when Burton had to cast the titular character of his 1989Batman, Keaton was the man for the job.
Burton and Keaton developed a rapport on the set ofBeetlejuice, and whenBurton had to cast the titular character of his 1989Batman, Keatonwas the man for the job. During this era of his career, Keaton had become typecast as a comedic actor, and fans were quick to defend the image of their beloved Dark Knight. Even as his decision gained backlash and pushback, Burton stood by his casting choice. This peculiar director clearly knows when his decisions are gold, as defending this one “spawned[the]superhero movies” that audiences still look forward to today.
