Beetlejuice 2 Notes Lack of Adam and Barbara
Played Barbara Maitland in the original "Beetlejuice," Geena Davis has confirmed that she will not be returning in the forthcoming sequel. Fans who had hoped to see the original characters come back will suffer greatly without Davis. Her non-involvement's confirmation also implies that Adam Maitland's actor Alec Baldwin won't be returning either.
Absence of Adam and Barbara Affects Beetlejuice 2
The news of Adam and Barbara's absence from "Beetlejuice 2" has disappointed viewers especially given the movie will mostly feature their former house. Two important components of the original movie, the town model of Winter River and the attic space, are destined to take front stage in the sequel. Thus, the absence of Adam and Barbara is a clear omission that will need explanations on their location.
Geena Davis on the absence of Adam and Barbara
Davis has offered her analysis of the possible reasons Adam and Barbara might not be included in the sequel. She said that, being ghosts, they wouldn't age. Therefore, even if 35 years have gone since the first movie, their characters would remain in their natural look. Davis's comment suggests a rational difficulty in returning the original characters; their unchangeable physical appearance would produce an amazing visual discord.
Decision on CGI and makeup for Beetlejuice 2
Although it was theoretically possible to de-age Adam and Barbara using CGI, Tim Burton's artistic decisions in the sequel most certainly ruled out this method. The first pictures that came out for "Beetlejuice 2" show Michael Keaton's comeback depending on makeup and practical effects, same like in the original movie. Keaton's makeup accentuates his aged look in line with Beetlejuice's long lifetime. This supports the choice to stay away from computer-generated imagery for other characters.
Stop-motion animation by Tim Burton as a possible fix
Though in a different form, Adam and Barbara's absence does not mean they cannot be included into "Beetlejuice 2." Tim Burton has alluded to the sequel using stop-motion animation sequences. This method could be used to produce flashbacks of Adam and Barbara explaining their absence and offering understanding of their post-1988 life. With this method, their characters would show up in the sequel without the actors needed.
The Trailer of Beetlejuice 2 and the Importance of Adam and Barbara's Story
The "Beetlejuice 2" trailer emphasizes even more the relevance of Adam and Barbara's story for the sequel. Lydia Deetz goes back to Winter River, where Adam and Barbara's former house resides. Her family calls there home. With the old house known as the "Ghost house," suggesting that Adam and Barbara's presence lingers even in their absence, the town is still haunted by their past. Their absence is more noticeable and calls for the filmmakers to figure out how to handle their presence in the sequel since this continuous reminder of their story.
In essence, addressing Adam and Barbara's absence
"Beetlejuice 2" struggles to explain Adam and Barbara's absence while yet noting their major importance in the sequel. One creative answer could be to use stop-motion animation, which lets one glimpse of their past and permits flashbacks. Alternatively, the movie might look at their absence from the story and entwine their tale into the fresh events happening in Winter River. Whatever the strategy, the movie cannot overlook the legacy of Adam and Barbara since they are still fundamental members of the "Beetlejuice" universe.
