Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Is The Venice Opening Night Selection

The Venice Film Festival has, for years now, been the place for big studio films to have their world premiere. It’s not a surprise to see a star-studded, American blockbuster get the special treatment there. That’s why it’s only mildly surprising that we now know that “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” will celebrate its world premiere at Venice.

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According to the Venice Film Festival, Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” is not only going to debut at this year’s festival, but it’s also serving as the Opening Night selection. The film is the sequel to the classic comedy from the ‘80s. The film stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe.

“I’m very excited by this,” said Burton. “It means a lot to me to have the world premiere of this film at the Venice Film Festival.”

Venice boss Alberto Barbera added, “‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ marks the long-awaited return of one of the most iconic characters of Tim Burton’s cinema, but also the happy confirmation of the extraordinary visionary talent and the masterly realization of one of the most fascinating auteurs of his time. The Venice Biennale is honored and proud to host the world premiere of a work that features a surprising swing of creative imagination and driving hallucinatory rhythm.” 

Obviously, we’re still going to see even more big studio films get announced as part of Venice, but it’s interesting to see “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” get such a premier spot at the event. A lot of the time, the studio films we see debut are ones that have serious awards potential or at least a great deal of acclaim. Tim Burton’s sequel doesn’t necessarily fit that bill. But who knows? Perhaps it’ll surprise everyone. 

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” will open Venice on August 28.

Sticking to awards discussion but moving to Berlin, we have a small bit of news. Deadline is reporting that the Berlin International Film Festival is ditching its Encounters strand and starting a new selection group, dubbed Perspectives. The Perspectives strand will highlight international films from first-time filmmakers, giving them a new awards section to compete in. 

The next Berlin International Film Festival begins on February 13, 2025.