In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Jenna Ortega shared insights into her casting for Beetlejuice 2, her second collaboration with renowned director Tim Burton, and her experience working alongside Winona Ryder.
Jenna Ortega is set to return to the big screen in another Tim Burton classic. Known for her role in the hit Netflix series Wednesday, Ortega is now part of the ensemble cast of Beetlejuice 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 1988 dark fantasy comedy. The original film starred Michael Keaton as the titular character, with Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara among the cast.
Beetlejuice 2 marks Ortega’s second project with Tim Burton, following the success of Wednesday. In this sequel, the 21-year-old actress portrays Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) and the step-granddaughter of Delia Deetz. As the movie’s release approaches, Ortega sat down with Pinkvilla to discuss how she landed the role, her reaction to the script, and her thoughts on reuniting with Burton.
Reflecting on her casting experience, Ortega shared, “Tim and I had been meeting regularly to discuss the second season of Wednesday. When he asked to meet again, I assumed it was to continue those discussions. I even brought a notebook filled with ideas for the new season. But instead, he handed me the Beetlejuice 2 script and said, ‘If you’re interested, great. If not, no worries.'”
Ortega admitted she was initially hesitant to take on the role. “The first Beetlejuice is such a classic, and I didn’t want to ruin anything or mess it up. But with the original cast returning and Tim’s passion for the project, I felt confident. The script was genuinely funny, and after my experience on set, I feel really good about it.”
When asked about her second collaboration with Burton, Ortega described it as a continuation of their established rapport. “Working with Tim again felt very similar to the first time. He trusts his actors completely, allowing them to make choices, even if they’re risky. He encourages creativity while guiding you in the right direction. This time, he was especially creative and excited, which made the experience even more enjoyable.”
Ortega also shared a moment of nostalgia when she first read the script. “I had just met with Tim and decided to read the script while sitting on rocks at the beach. It was winter, so it was cold, but I was engrossed in the story, reading about characters I’d grown up watching. I felt nostalgic, happy, and incredibly excited. Whether or not I was going to be part of it, I knew it was going to be a good one.”
Discussing her on-screen mother, Winona Ryder, Ortega couldn’t hide her admiration. “I’ve been a fan of Winona for a long time. She’s worked on some of the coolest projects.
Every time I watch a film I’m interested in, she seems to be a part of it. Working with her was a dream. She’s one of the sweetest, most generous coworkers I’ve ever had. I’ve learned so much from her, and she’s been incredibly supportive and kind. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to work with her, and I would love to do it again.”
As for the character of Astrid, Ortega speculated on what she might be doing two decades down the line. “In 20 years, I see Astrid as an activist and philanthropist, working for the rainforest. She’d probably be a bit of a hippie, too!”
When asked a fun question about discovering a model of a town in her attic, Ortega said she would summon Alice from Alice in Wonderland and explore her world. “The story of Alice in Wonderland has always fascinated me. I’d love to go down the rabbit hole with Alice.”
Beetlejuice 2 made its debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2024, and is set to hit theaters across India on September 6, 2024. Alongside Jenna Ortega, the film features Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe, with Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara reprising their iconic roles.
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