I was sifting through information on Beetlejuice today... not sure why.

Anyway, it was brought to my attention that the Beetlejuice film that we all know and love today, was originally much, much different.

Now, this isn't something new. Scripts get re-written over and over before they are finally produced. But the difference in tone and content between the original script and the final script for Beetlejuice is definitely an eye-opener.



Let me confess, I haven't actually read the original script. But from other sources, it is clear that the film was originally much darker and violent. Beetlejuice seems to have been portrayed in a much more sinister and evil light, with intentions of raping and murdering other characters. His appearance was to be almost demon-like and when in human form, he would appear middle eastern.

Seminal events of the film were totally different, like the dinner/seance and the actual car crash (which was far more graphic).

I have to say, knowing this makes me appreciate the lighter tone that actually made it to the reels. I'm not big on tampering with the original ideas of anyone, but in this case I thank the Hollywood bigwigs for their desire to tamper!

Oh, man, I thought this thread would be about Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian.

The earlier script of the actual movie is here. Given how much I enjoyed reading the original BTTF script, I'm going to give this one a read, too.

Well, I was turned off by just the title of the never made sequel. After reading the review, It affirmed my suspicions.

Beetlejuice used to scare me as a kid.

well speaking of beetlejuice, shoutfactory is releasing the complete animated series on dvd supposedly next month, with the price around a hundred dollars

It seems like things are coming together with regard to the long awaited Beetlejuice sequel. But who knows. Still, this gives us a reason to think it will happen.

Vaporman87 wrote :

It seems like things are coming together with regard to the long awaited Beetlejuice sequel. But who knows. Still, this gives us a reason to think it will happen.
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Okay so, maybe it's not going to happen. And maybe that's a good thing.

In the words of Kevin Smith, didn't they say everything they needed to in the first one?

I seem to recall Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert talked about this very subject, not during the movie's review but during one of their "special edition" non-review sessions.

eddstarr wrote :

I've always felt that Beetlejuice struck an impressive balance between dark & light. Too far in either direction results in a whole different movie experience.

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Totally different. But Burton is the king of walking that fine line.

echidna64 wrote :

There is no way that this would get made without an R-rating today! 

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There are tons of movies that fall into that category from the 80's. I think of movies from that decade with a PG rating and I find it humorous to think that it was the rating given. Since they don't re-rate films after ratings changes, it can be really confusing for a parent especially.

it's probably for the best that a sequel isn't getting made. you never know when it's going to turn into an atrocity like charlie & the chocolate factory or that alice in wonderland movie.