The Crazy Beetlejuice Sequel That Nearly Took Place in Hawaii

Introduction to the Madness

If you thought the quirky universe of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice reached its creative peak in the original film, you’re in for a wild informational rollercoaster. Following the 1988 classic, a follow-up packed with even more absurdity was nearly set to hit the silver screen. Deep in the annals of Hollywood history lies the nearly-forgotten yet captivating sequel concept known as Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian.

The Origins and Plot of the Sequel

In the late 1980s and early 90s, Warner Bros. was eager to capitalize on the success of the original Beetlejuice. The film, which was a massive hit both critically and commercially, certainly paved the way for talks about a sequel. Thus, the absurd idea of Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian was born.

The Basic Plot

Here’s a sneak peek at the gist of what the screenplay had in store:
The story was to transport our beloved ghost with the most, Beetlejuice, to a tropical locale. The Deetz family, now running a hotel in Hawaii, inadvertently disturbs the spirits of ancient Hawaiian kahunas when they begin construction. Beetlejuice is then enlisted to scare away these spirits and brings along his trademark mischief and macabre humor.

Why Hawaii?

The setting of Hawaii for this zany sequel is something that, on the surface, might seem jarringly incongruous. Yet, Tim Burton reportedly found something hilariously absurd about juxtaposing the ghoulishly gothic character of Beetlejuice with the sunny, tropical splendor of Hawaii. Imagine Beetlejuice in a loud Hawaiian shirt causing chaos amidst sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees—it’s deliciously ridiculous, isn’t it?

The Team Behind the Sequel

Returning Cast and Crew

Much of the primary cast was slated to return:

• Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice
• Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz

Tim Burton was also on board to direct, and the script was penned by the original writers, Michael McDowell and Warren Skaaren.

New Additions

There were also discussions about adding new characters. Since the setting was Hawaii, it would bring in new faces, including possibly ancient kahunas and locals who would interact with Beetlejuice and the Deetz family.

Challenges and Hiatus

The bold concept faced immediate challenges. Despite Burton’s interest and the initial momentum, the idea of a tropical Beetlejuice didn’t sit well with everyone involved at the upper echelons of Warner Bros. The project was caught in development hell—an all-too-common fate for many Hollywood sequels.

Why It Didn’t Happen

Key points leading to its shelvement include:

• Creative Differences: There were significant disagreements over the script and the direction of the project.
• Lack of Consensus: Not all parties, especially those within Warner Bros., were convinced about the quirky Hawaiian setting for the already oddball character of Beetlejuice.
• Focus Shift: Both Tim Burton and Michael Keaton got involved in other significant projects during the early 90s—most notably, ‘Batman Returns’.

Legacy and Speculations

Though Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian never materialized, its mythos has lived on in fan discussions and entertainment circles. It serves as a testament to the unpredictable and often surreal nature of Hollywood film development.

Resurgence of Interest

In recent years, rumors have periodically surfaced about a potential sequel to Beetlejuice. Burton and Keaton have occasionally expressed interest in reprising their roles, given the right circumstances and script. While a Hawaiian adventure might seem less likely now, the enigmatic fascination with Beetlejuice has undoubtedly kept fans hopeful for some form of a follow-up.

What Could Have Been

It’s tantalizing to ponder what a fully-realized Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian would look like on the big screen. A mix of supernatural horror and tropical paradise could provide a visually stunning and comically jarring experience. Plus, seeing Michael Keaton’s iconic portrayal of Beetlejuice in such an unconventional setting would certainly be a unique cinematic event.

Conclusion: The Absurd Lives On

The zany and wonderfully bizarre concept of Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian serves as an intriguing ‘what-if’ in movie history. While it never came to be, it enriches the lore around the original film and shows the lengths to which Hollywood will go to keep a beloved character in the limelight.

For now, fans can only speculate and hope that sometime in the future, Beetlejuice might make his ghostly return—if not in Hawaii, then somewhere equally unexpected and entertaining. Until then, the legend of the crazy Hawaiian sequel continues to inspire wonder and laughter among movie enthusiasts everywhere.