Tim Burton's new movie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice did a robust $110 million on US shores, according to Variety. Raking in another $35.4 million overseas took it up to $145.4 million for the opening weekend. This sequel to the 1988 cult favorite Beetlejuice outperformed expectations and gave the domestic box office a welcome boost after its sluggish pace in recent weeks.
It centers on Michael Keaton as the lead demon again, with Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara slotting into their iconic roles as if nothing's changed. Yet at the same time, it has new blood mixed with some of those familiar faces, including Jenna Ortega in the role of Lydia Deetz's daughter.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice just swiped the crown for the second-biggest September opening, right after 2017's It. It's also the third-highest-grossing film of 2024, after Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2.
Nostalgia meets modern appeal in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice's box office win
The comeback of beloved characters and Tim Burton's signature style helped Beetlejuice Beetlejuice score big at the box office.
David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research told Variety:
“This is a sensational opening for a comedy sequel 36 years after the first film.”
He cited an example of the first Beetlejuice, which was a quirky film and took some time to catch on before becoming ultra-popular. However, this time out, people knew what to expect, helping it rake in way quicker at the box office, according to Variety. Whereas the original made $74.8 million total, the sequel's $110 million opening weekend is quite impressive, as noted by Forbes.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been successful because it is universally appealing. The inclusion of Ortega in a major role also partially helped attract younger viewers.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at ComScore, told ABC News:
“Part of the magic formula of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is having a great cast of a revered generation of actors and then having young actors who are making their own mark.”
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice's strong start ensures its success
Warner Bros. had an early estimate of about $80 to $90 million the movie would bring in. It blew those numbers out of the water, bringing in $110 million in the U.S. alone.
Jeff Goldstein, who oversees domestic distribution for Warner Bros was naturally thrilled:
“There’s life in the afterlife.”
The reviews have helped it gain momentum. For now, it sits at 82% from audiences and 76% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, proving both love this resurgence of Beetlejuice. Reviews are abuzz, speaking highly of visuals, performances, and Tim Burton's fine direction.
Deadpool & Wolverine took in $7.2 million in its seventh week, but couldn't hold a candle to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The Reagan biopic took third place with $5.2 million, showing just how Burton's film is trouncing everything else at the box office.
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With Halloween coming up and all the buzz around it, the movie is set to keep raking in at the box office for a while.
It is now showing in theaters all over the world.
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