The long-awaited “Beetlejuice 2” has been making waves in the hearts of fans who have been eagerly waiting for a worthy sequel to the 1988 classic. With Tim Burton and Michael Keaton back onboard, hopes were high for a nostalgic journey into the creepy and whimsical world of “Beetlejuice.” One of the key elements that both Burton and Keaton were determined to preserve was the extensive use of practical effects and handmade props, just like the original film.
The plan was to shoot exteriors in the quaint town of East Corinth, Vermont, the same location used in the first movie. This decision was meant to bring an authentic and nostalgic touch to the sequel. However, the production faced its share of challenges when the industry-wide SAG-AFTRA strike led to the shutdown of several productions, including “Beetlejuice 2.” Amid the downtime, the set encountered a baffling incident—two important practical props vanished without a trace.
According to the Vermont State Police, the stolen items were a “large lamppost topped with a distinctive pumpkin decoration” and a “150-pound abstract art statue.” The latter statue bore a striking resemblance to the art pieces created by Catherine O’Hara’s character, Delia Deetz, in the original “Beetlejuice.” In the first film, these sculptures came to life during Beetlejuice’s wedding, adding to the film’s eerie charm. It seems that these art pieces were set to make a comeback in the sequel, but their disappearance has thrown a wrench in the plans.
The lamppost prop, on the other hand, was stolen in a rather conspicuous manner. Witnesses reported seeing the prop being loaded into a pickup truck and covered with a tarp before the vehicle sped away at a high speed. It’s a brazen act of theft that has left the film’s production team puzzled and concerned.
As of now, there’s no indication that the stolen props will significantly impact the film’s production, but the incident has added another layer of uncertainty to the already troubled timeline. “Beetlejuice 2” had been scheduled for a September 6, 2024 release by Warner Bros., but the stolen props and the strike-related delays might force a shift in the release date.
Prior to the strike, the film’s principal photography was nearing completion, with only one final sequence left to be shot in East Corinth. The rest of the production had taken place in London. Now, the studio and filmmakers must assess the situation and decide on the best course of action to complete the film and deliver the nostalgia-fueled experience that fans are eagerly waiting for.
In the meantime, the Vermont State Police are conducting an investigation into the theft, hoping to recover the stolen props and possibly unravel the motive behind the brazen act. Until the investigation yields results, the fate of these stolen practical props and the impact on “Beetlejuice 2” remains uncertain. Fans will have to stay tuned for further updates and hope that the quirky charm of “Beetlejuice” will find its way back to the silver screen as planned.
