
Tim Burton’s 1988 comedy-horror classic “Beetlejuice” has been making audiences laugh and shriek for decades. But there’s more to this ghostly tale than meets the eye. Let’s take a look into some lesser-known tidbits about the film that’ll have you itching to watch it again.
The Original Script Was Way Darker

Beetlejuice wasn’t always the mischievous prankster we know and love. The first draft painted him as a winged demon who took the form of a small Middle Eastern man. He planned some seriously creepy intentions toward Lydia rather than marrying her. Thankfully, the studio opted for a more family-friendly approach.
Michael Keaton’s Screen Time Is Surprisingly Short

Beetlejuice is barely in his own movie! No joke, Michael Keaton only appears on screen for about 17.5 minutes out of the whole 92-minute run-time. This is less than 20% of the film! Keaton’s performance was so memorable, it felt like he had way more screen time.
The Snake Scene Wasn’t CGI

Do you remember when Beetlejuice turns into a snake? Well, hold onto your hats because that wasn’t some fancy CGI magic. Nope, the effects team built a massive 20-foot mechanical snake puppet—talk about dedication! A whole crew of puppeteers worked their tails off to bring the slithery beast to life.
Sammy Davis Jr. Almost Played Beetlejuice

The Afterlife Waiting Room Scene Has a Hidden Meaning

The dreary afterlife waiting room wasn’t just for laughs. It was a commentary on bureaucracy and how death doesn’t free us from life’s tedious processes. Additionally, the scene’s inspiration came from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a place many consider a real-life purgatory.
Beetlejuice’s Name Has a Sneaky Origin

Have you ever wondered why he’s called Beetlejuice? It’s a play on the star Betelgeuse, the brightest star in the Orion constellation. This red supergiant is often associated with the supernatural in folklore. The character’s name is a clever nod to this celestial body.
The Film Almost Had a Different Ending

Originally, the movie was going to end with Lydia dying in a fire and joining the Maitlands in the afterlife. Studio executives nixed this idea, feeling it was too dark for a comedy. The change led to the upbeat dance number we know and love today.
There’s a Hidden Tribute to The Exorcist

In the movie, horror references are scattered throughout. Look closely at the model town, and you’ll spot a tiny version of the stairs from “The Exorcist.” The hidden surprise honors one of the most famous horror films of all time.
The Sandworms Were Inspired by Italian Design

The striped sandworms that terrify the characters weren’t just random creations. Their design was inspired by the work of Italian designer Ettore Sottsass. Tim Burton dug Sottsass’s bold patterns and colors so much that he decided to slap them onto some giant people-eating worms.
Beetlejuice’s Gravestone Has a Joke You Might’ve Missed

The sense of humor of Beetlejuice stretches beyond life—literally. If you squint at his tombstone in the model graveyard, you’ll catch more than his name. The fine print reads “Crappy Understudy.” It looks like our guy was throwing shade even in the afterlife!
The Movie Spawned a Bizarre Cartoon Series

“Beetlejuice” was so popular it got its own animated show. But here’s the weird part: it completely changed the story. In the cartoon, Beetlejuice and Lydia are best friends with wacky adventures in the Netherworld. It ran for four seasons, much to the confusion of movie fans.
There’s a Secret Meaning Behind Lydia’s Camera

That camera Lydia was always toting around was more than a prop. It symbolized her knack for seeing what others miss. Throughout the flick, she uses it to show proof of the supernatural and show how she views the world differently from everyone else.
The Film’s Success Surprised Everyone

When “Beetlejuice” hit theaters, no one expected it to be a hit. It was weird, dark, and didn’t fit neatly into any genre. But audiences loved it. The movie raked in $73.7 million on a budget of just $15 million, proving that sometimes the oddest ideas are the best.
Beetlejuice’s Makeup Took Hours to Apply

Creating Beetlejuice’s rotting, moldy look was tough. It took around three hours each day to apply Michael Keaton’s makeup. The process involved layers of prosthetics, paint, and that iconic green hair. Keaton’s patience in the makeup chair helped bring this unforgettable character to life.
The Movie Almost Had a Different Title

Before settling on “Beetlejuice,” the film was almost titled “House Ghosts.” Another potential name was “Scared Sheetless.” However, the studio thought it sounded too much like a spoof. So, in the end, “Beetlejuice” won out, becoming one of the most memorable movie titles of the ’80s.