Tim Burton’s film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” featuring stars like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe, will open the upcoming Venice Film Festival.
In the sequel to Burton’s 1988 cult horror classic, Keaton returns as the foul-mouthed, shape-shifting ghoul. The film will be screened out of competition on August 28 at the Lido’s Palazzo del Cinema. The long-awaited new chapter of “Beetlejuice” will then be released in cinemas worldwide on September 4, distributed by Warner Bros. “Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ represents the much-anticipated return of one of cinema’s most iconic characters, but also a joyful confirmation of the extraordinary visionary talent and masterful execution of one of the most captivating authors of his generation,” said Alberto Barbera, Venice’s artistic director. “It is an honor and a source of pride for us to host the world premiere of a work that showcases such surprising swings of creative imagination and hallucinatory rhythm.”
This year’s Venice Festival promises to be even more star-studded than usual: Lady Gaga, Joaquin Phoenix, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, and Brad Pitt are all likely to attend the Lido.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” follows three generations of the Deetz clan as they move back into their home in Winter River (unsurprisingly) after a sudden family death. When Lydia’s (Ryder) rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), discovers a portal to the afterlife hidden in the basement, the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice is inevitably summoned by repeating his name three times, wreaking havoc once more on the Deetz family home.
The 81st Venice Film Festival will take place from August 28 to September 7. The full program will be announced on July 23. The jury president will be French actress Isabelle Huppert. The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to Australian director Peter Weir and American actress Sigourney Weaver.