Beetlejuice theatrical poster
Beetlejuice is a 1988 comedy film directed by Tim Burton, and starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder. It revolves around a recently desceased young couple who become ghosts haunting their former home and an obnoxious, "bio-exorcist" named Betelguese who tries to scare away the new inhabitants permanently.
Considered for roles[]
Betelguese, played by Michael Keaton
- Sammy Davis Jr.: Burton originally wanted Davis Jr., a favorite star of his since childhood, for the role, but The Geffen Film Company didn't like the idea at all. They instead suggested Keaton, though Burton wasn't familiar with his work.
- Sam Kinison: Producer John Peters suggested casting the comedian in the role, but Kinison's agent never told him about it.[1]
Delia, played by Catherine O'Hara
- Angelica Huston: Early into filming, she became ill. O'Hara, having been convinced by Sylvia Sidney, became her replacement. Huston did, however, meet her future husband production designer Bo Welch on the set.
Lydia, played by Winona Ryder
- Turned down the role:
- Justine Bateman
- Jennifer Connelly
- Diane Lane
- Lori Loughlin
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Molly Ringwald
- Brooke Shields
- Juliette Lewis: Auditioned for the role. Ryder was cast after Burton saw her in Lucas.
Considered for production design[]
- Anton Furst: Burton wanted Furst after seeing his work in The Company of Wolves and Full Metal Jacket. Furst turned down the offer as he was commited to the film High Spirits, a choice he later regretted.