‘Beetlejuice 3’ Unlikely Following Catherine O’Hara’s Death, Writers Suggest

Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice is about as close to a perfect movie as you can get. From its original concept and screenplay to Burton’s direction, memorable performances, imaginative production design, and iconic music, the 1988 horror-comedy remains a beloved classic that has lost none of its appeal.

Given the original film’s legacy, a sequel was never exactly something audiences were demanding. Nevertheless, Burton reunited with several members of the original creative team for 2024’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The follow-up proved to be a box office success, earning more than $450 million worldwide while receiving generally positive reviews.

Naturally, that success sparked speculation about a possible third installment. However, the writers of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are now casting doubt on the possibility of completing the franchise as a trilogy.

Speaking with ScreenRant, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar addressed the chances of another movie, pointing to the recent passing of Catherine O’Hara, who portrayed Delia Deetz in both films.

“You never say never, but that’s really up to Tim. And I think with Catherine’s passing, it’s certainly harder,” Gough explained.

Millar echoed his writing partner’s comments, adding, “No, that’s the answer. It’s just [harder].”

Could ‘Beetlejuice 3’ Still Happen?

Even before O’Hara’s death, there had been no significant indication that another Beetlejuice movie was moving forward. Her absence would make a third installment particularly difficult, especially given Delia’s importance to the franchise.

Warner Bros. did tease discussions about another sequel in 2025, but Gough and Millar’s latest comments suggest that a continuation involving Burton and the returning creative team remains far from certain.

The 2024 sequel brought back several familiar faces, including Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice. However, not every major character from the original film returned.

Glenn Shadix, who played Delia’s confidant Otho Fenlock, passed away in 2010, and the character was not recast. Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, who portrayed Adam and Barbara Maitland in the original, were also absent from the sequel.

‘Wednesday’ Will Bring Some ‘Beetlejuice’ Stars Back Together

Even if a third Beetlejuice movie never materializes, fans will have another opportunity to see members of the franchise’s creative team working together.

Burton developed Netflix’s Wednesday, which stars Jenna Ortega and features a similar mix of macabre storytelling and dark comedy. Ortega’s work on the series also helped pave the way for her casting as Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s daughter, in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

The series is already set to return for a third season, with Gough and Millar continuing as creators alongside Burton. Winona Ryder is also joining the upcoming season in a role that remains under wraps.

For now, the future of the Beetlejuice movie franchise remains uncertain. Given O’Hara’s importance to the films, however, the writers’ comments suggest that moving forward without her would be a difficult proposition.