Back in September we brought you the exciting news that a BEETLEJUICE sequel was officially a Go over at Warner Bros…

While this announcement would usually cause much panic amongst fans of such a beloved property, the project seemed to be in good hands, with new producers/writers Seth Grahame-Smith & David Katzenberg assuring us that the movie wouldn’t go ahead without Burton’s blessing and Keaton as the Ghost With The Most. Seems they’ve not only got Burton’s blessing, but he’s also one of the folks who got the ball rolling in the first place. Here’s an extract from a recent interview Burton conducted with MTV to promote his forthcoming projects DARK SHADOWS & FRANKENWEENIE, where he touches briefly on the long-proposed sequel. Asked if he was involved, Burton had this to say…

‘Yes. I love that character, and Michael is so great in it. I always think about how great and fun that character was, so I just said to Seth, “If you have some idea about it, go for it, and then I’ll look at it freshly.” In the past, I tried some things, but that was way back when. He seemed really excited about it. Michael was so great in it. I’m sure he’d strangely tap right back into it.’

Us too. Having revisited the 1988 comedy again recently, it seems oddly fresher now than it ever did, with Burton’s signature style managing to somehow keep it in a time all of its own.

We guess it’s all down to Keaton now, but as we pointed out back in that first news piece, the actor has spoken with nothing but love about the film in the past, and repeatedly voiced his willingness to reprise the character – he’s bound to be a lock.

Before that happens, Seth Grahame-Smith will next be collaborating with Burton on ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, which he penned the screenplay for while Burton produced. It opens in the UK on August 2nd and is directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

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