Tim Burton's highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has made a strong start at the North American box office, grossing an impressive $13 million in Thursday and Wednesday previews. The Warner Bros. film is poised to achieve one of the biggest September openings in history, with estimates ranging from $90 million to $110 million for its domestic debut.
Industry tracking data and advanced ticket sales suggest that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice could potentially surpass the $100 million mark, although Warner Bros. is exercising caution in its projections. The film's preview numbers rank as the second-highest for September releases, trailing only Warner Bros.' It, which opened with $13.5 million en route to a $123 million debut in 2017.
It, based on a Stephen King novel, still holds the record for the largest September opening. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a PG-13 title, claims the top spot for September preview numbers in its category. The sequel's $3 million from fan screenings in select Imax and large format screens on Wednesday, followed by $10 million from regular Thursday previews, further underscore its strong performance.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice marks the return of Michael Keaton as the mischievous title character, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. New additions to the franchise include Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, and Willem Dafoe. The film, released 36 years after the original Beetlejuice, aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of its predecessor as a cult classic.
The sequel's storyline follows Lydia Deetz (Ryder) and her family as they return home after a tragedy, only to discover that her daughter, Astrid (Ortega), has opened a portal to the afterlife. Director Tim Burton's revival of the beloved characters has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising the film's playful and nostalgic tone.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice currently holds a fresh rating of 76 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a favorable reception among audiences. The film was directed by Burton from a script by Wednesday showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, with Seth Grahame-Smith contributing to the story development.
