While Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has been swiping records left and right at the box office, did you know the sequel movie was initially a streaming-only release? Here's how Tim Burton successfully brought the sequel to theaters.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice "Almost Died" Before Heading to Theaters
The highly anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice comeback was one of the most unexpected sequels this 2024, and yet it didn't fail to make noise once its theatrical debut went on its cue.
However, a new report states that the sequel to Michael Keaton's Ghost with the Most nearly headed straight to streaming services instead of the big screens.
"Two months went by where every day the movie almost died," Burton's agent, Mike Simpson told The New York Times recently.
According to The Times, franchise helmer Tim Burton drove a hard bargain with Warner Bros. before they could even greenlight the film.
"[Beetlejuice Beetlejuice] was never going to work for Tim," Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chair Pamela Abdy shared, "You're talking about a visionary artist whose films demand to be seen on a big screen."
Apparently, the production for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice initially cost $147 million, which WB was quite hesitant of, considering that the sequel is coming from a 36-year-old flick and there's no guarantee that another Warner Bros. movie could take another hit.
So, the agreement was changed to at least make an exclusive theatrical release for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice so long as it dropped its budget down to $100 million.
Burton and his team managed to cut the budget to $99 million as they and the main cast agreed to take 'less money upfront.'
Well, lo and behold, their sacrifices paid off once Beetlejuice Beetlejuice topped the domestic box office for two weekends in a row, now about to cross the $200 million mark domestically.
If the Beetlejuice sequel continues its victory lap, they could be looking at climbing past $300 million worldwide just in time for the Halloween season!
READ NEXT: Only Murders in the Building: Who Was in the Storage Shed in S4E4? Sazz's Next Killer
Make sure to follow our official Facebook page for more news and explainer articles about your favorite films and TV shows!