Beetlejuice 2: Examining Astrid's Family Tragedy
One much awaited feature of Beetlejuice 2 is Jenna Ortega's performance of Astrid Deetz. Set to bring back the legendary Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, the sequel promises Astrid, the troubled teenage daughter of Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder, a wild and chaotic ride).
Beetlejuice 2: fresh deaths and characters
Apart from the returning cast members, Beetlejuice 2 boasts some interesting fresh actors such Justin Theroux as Rory, Monica Bellucci as Delores, and Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson. Theroux's Rory ties to Lydia while Dafoe and Bellucci's characters search for Beetlejuice. Fascinatingly, another character confirmed to be dead—though invisible in the series—adds still another level of complexity to the narrative.
The Death of a Beetlejuice 2 Father
Two teasers for Beetlejuice 2 have centered on Delia Deetz, Lydia, Astrid, and Catherine O'Hara. The first teaser verified Charles Deetz's death, but the Deetz family has lately suffered another loss. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Winona Ryder said Lydia is now a "pill-popping widow" in the sequel and although Lydia can interact with the dead, she hasn't been able to connect with her husband, who is also Astrid's father.
Before events of Beetlejuice 2, Astrid's father "tragically died in a fishing accident". Although his death date is unknown, it marks the second significant death in the Deetz family after Charles passed away. Her sad death of her father and grandfather accentuates Astrid's turbulent path and clarifies her multifarious character.
Beetlejuice 2: Astrid's Relationship with Lydia and Demeanor
The sad circumstances around Astrid in Beetlejuice 2 provide understanding of her attitude and relationship with her mother. Astrid's frustrations are stoked by the death of her father and grandfather as well as by her mother's incapacity to interact with them. Astrid seems to antagonize Lydia in the trailer about Beetlejuice's comeback since she sees her mother's ability to interact with the dead as a "cheap gimmick".
Examining the Deetz Family Dynamics: Beetlejuice 2
A major motif in Beetlejuice 2 is Lydia's conflict with Astrid. Whether Beetlejuice's erratic comeback will close the distance between them or sour their relationship more still is unknown. Given both Lydia and Delia's lost spouses, their relationship adds still another level of complexity.
Beetlejuice 2 clarifies the difficulties the Deetz women—especially Astrid, who is negotiating life and death—face. The addition of Beetlejuice, the Neitherworld, and other magical components will surely complicate things for Astrid, but it might also highlight her and Lydia's similarities.
