Jenna Ortega Confirms Who She Is Playing in Beetlejuice 2

Jenna Ortega has confirmed her role in the upcoming horror comedy sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, revealing that she will indeed play the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Ortega kept a lot of the details close to her chest, but was able to divulge that her character, Astrid, will be “weird, but in a different way.”

“I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, but I am Lydia Deetz’s daughter, so I’ll give that away. She’s weird, but in a different way and not in the way you’d assume, I would say. The relationship between Lydia and Astrid, my character, is very important. And it’s also really strange because it’s a lot of catching up and putting the pieces together of what’s gone on in Lydia’s life since, which is nice, I think, for anybody who loves the character and is excited to see her again.

I wouldn’t say she’s bright and sunny at all. She doesn’t go to the opposite end of the spectrum, but any kid who becomes a teenager wants to be removed from their parents. I think they instantly just fight whatever it is that their parent love. So I think it’s a little bit of that. I’m not wearing pink and a cheerleader, but I am a little bit against my mom’s history or past. We butt heads quite a bit.”

Jenna Ortega, who has now become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, will continue her recent spooky turn as Wednesday Addams with a leading role in the long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice 2. The movie, which now is going by the name Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, is directed by Tim Burton from a screenplay by the writing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The sequel sees Ortega join the fray as Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz from the original movie.

Speaking with ET on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, Ortega described Beetlejuice 2 as “so exciting” visually, and teased the use of practical effects and sets.

“[It’s] some of the most fun I’ve ever had on a set.” She adds, “Visually, so exciting. Everything was practical…I think we’re not using very much CGI or something like that at all.”

Discussing the cast, which will include Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Arthur Conti, Ortega said she “felt so lucky” to be part of such an incredible ensemble.

“Everyone did an incredible job. I felt so lucky to be there, it was insane … I can’t wait for people to see.”

Jenna Ortega Teases More Horror in Her Return as Wednesday

Wednesday

Follows Wednesday Addams’ years as a student, when she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart and solve the mystery that embroiled her parents. Directed by Tim Burton.

Appearing at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, Ortega revealed that the second season of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Wednesday will lean more into “horror” while sticking to the same Wednesday Addams that fans know and love.

“We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror. It’s really, really exciting because, all throughout the show, while Wednesday does need a little bit of an arc, she never really changes and that’s the wonderful thing about her.”

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Beetlejuice 2 Star Catherine O’Hara Teases ‘Crazy & Thrilling’ Reunion With Michael Keaton

Though the duo of O’Hara and Keaton appeared in the 1988 original, Beetlejuice 2 will mark their first one-on-one scene together in the franchise.

Speaking with E! on the red carpet, Ortega also assured fans of the inherent comedy in both The Addams Family and Wednesday will be satisfied too.

“There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

Beginning back in 2022, the first season of Wednesday has been a major success for the streaming giant. The series follows a teenage Wednesday Addams, who attempts to master her emerging psychic ability and thwart a killing spree while attending Nevermore Academy.

The first season of Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix, with the second season still awaiting a release date reveal. Beetlejuice 2, meanwhile, is set to be theatrically released by Warner Bros. Pictures on September 6, 2024. Check out the announcement trailer for Wednesday season two below: