Jenna Ortega, the young star of the highly anticipated sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has opened up about her experiences working alongside veteran actors Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. Ortega, who plays a new character in the sequel, discussed the unique challenges and memorable moments she encountered while working with these iconic stars.
Challenges of Working with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder
1. Balancing Respect and Collaboration: Ortega noted that working with Michael Keaton, who reprises his role as the mischievous Beetlejuice, and Winona Ryder, returning as Lydia Deetz, was both an honor and a challenge. “There’s a certain level of respect that comes with working with such established actors,” Ortega said. “You want to make sure you’re bringing your best performance while also collaborating effectively. It was a learning experience for me.”
2. Finding the Right Tone: One of the significant challenges was aligning her performance with the distinct comedic and surreal tone of the original film. “Beetlejuice has a very unique style, and Michael’s portrayal is iconic,” Ortega explained. “It was crucial to match that energy while still making sure my character fit seamlessly into the narrative.”
3. Adjusting to the Set Dynamics: Ortega also mentioned the challenge of adjusting to the dynamics on set, especially given the long history and established rapport between Keaton and Ryder. “It took some time to find my footing,” she admitted. “But once I did, it was an incredible experience learning from their interactions and understanding how they approach their roles.”
Favorite Scene
Ortega revealed that her favorite scene in the film involves a complex and visually stunning sequence set in a surreal, otherworldly environment. This scene showcases a blend of practical effects and CGI, bringing to life the whimsical and eerie atmosphere that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is known for.
The Scene: “My favorite scene is this elaborate, fantastical sequence where our characters get trapped in a bizarre dimension created by Beetlejuice’s antics,” Ortega shared. “It was a huge collaborative effort with the visual effects team, and working alongside Michael and Winona during those scenes was truly magical. It captures the essence of what made the original film so special, but with a new twist.”
Ortega’s experience working on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice reflects both the excitement and challenges of joining a beloved franchise with such a strong legacy. Her insights into the collaborative process and her favorite moments highlight the film’s dedication to preserving the spirit of the original while adding fresh, imaginative elements. Fans can look forward to seeing how Ortega and the returning cast bring new life to this iconic story when the film hits theaters.
