The SAG-AFTRA strike had put a temporary halt to the production of “Beetlejuice 2” earlier this summer, but director Tim Burton recently provided an update in an interview with The Independent, offering a glimmer of hope for fans eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Burton expressed his gratitude for the progress made, saying, “I feel grateful we got what we got. Literally, it was a day and a half. We know what we have to do. It is 99 per cent done.” Despite the strike-induced setback, it seems that the film is now almost complete.

The director went on to describe his experience working on “Beetlejuice 2,” emphasizing his return to the fundamentals of filmmaking. He shared, “On this last one, Beetlejuice 2, I really enjoyed it. I tried to strip everything and go back to the basics of working with good people and actors and puppets. It was kind of like going back to why I liked making movies.”

“Beetlejuice 2” is currently scheduled to haunt theaters on September 6, 2024, though the ongoing WGA and SAG strikes could potentially impact its release date. Fans will need to stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.

In the sequel, Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday,” “Scream VI”) joins Michael Keaton in a highly anticipated return to the iconic role. Additionally, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara are reprising their roles from the original film.

Monica Bellucci (“Irreversible”) is set to play Beetlejuice’s wife, adding an intriguing new dimension to the story. While specific plot details remain under wraps, it’s known that Jenna Ortega will portray the daughter of Lydia Deetz, a character brought back to life by Winona Ryder.

The cast of “Beetlejuice 2” continues to expand, with recent additions including Willem Dafoe and Justin Theroux. Notably, Danny Elfman, a frequent collaborator with Tim Burton, will return to compose the film’s score.

The original “Beetlejuice,” directed by Burton in 1988, has achieved cult status over the years. The film featured Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as ghosts who haunt their former home, leading to mischievous encounters with a troublesome spirit, portrayed by Michael Keaton. Winona Ryder played a key role in the story as a young girl who accidentally sets these supernatural events in motion, while Catherine O’Hara and Jeffrey Jones played the homeowners who are targeted by the spirited shenanigans.