Willem Dafoe unveils his spectral character in Beetlejuice 2: 'I portray a deceased individual.'

A spectral presence, a blockbuster hero, and an investigator? Oh dear.

By M Muzamil Shami

       Willem Dafoe and Michael Keaton. Image: Robin Marchant/Getty; Everett Collection.

Beware, Netherworld inhabitants! Willem Dafoe is set to join Michael Keaton in the realm of the deceased.

As previously announced, both actors are confirmed for Tim Burton's highly anticipated sequel to the 80s classic, Beetlejuice. While Keaton will reprising his iconic role, Dafoe's role has been shrouded in mystery—until now.

In a recent interview with Variety, the actor known for his role in Poor Things shared intriguing details about his character in Beetlejuice 2: Dafoe will portray an undead action star turned detective.

"I haven't seen any footage yet, but it was a delight to work on," Dafoe remarked about the film, which reunites him with returning stars Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara. "I play a police officer in the afterlife, so I'm essentially a deceased individual. In my previous life, I was a B-movie action star, but an accident led me to the other side."

Dafoe explains that his character in the upcoming movie assumes the role of a detective in the afterlife, influenced by his past life as a B movie action star. While additional plot details are scarce, Keaton expresses the excitement of reuniting with the cast for Beetlejuice 2.

Keaton shares his enthusiasm, stating, "Beetlejuice is the most enjoyable experience you can have at work. It's so much fun, and we're approaching it just like we did with the first movie." He reveals a quirky detail about a woman in the afterlife's waiting room using a fishing line to animate a cat, adding to the film's unique charm.

The original Beetlejuice featured Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as spirits trapped in their home, with Beetlejuice summoned to frighten away new residents. The sequel brings back the original cast and introduces Jenna Ortega as Ryder's daughter and Justin Theroux in an undisclosed role.

Beetlejuice 2 is scheduled for release on September 6, 2024.