Back in 1988, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Then vs. Now hit theaters with its creepy-cool mix of humor and horror, becoming a total classic. With Harry Belafonte’s bangers and characters you can’t forget, it’s still a go-to for spooky season. Now, with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice dropping in 2024, everyone’s curious about what the original cast is up to and how they’ve changed. From Michael Keaton’s nutty ghost to Winona Ryder’s emo teen, here’s the lowdown on the Beetlejuice crew, then and now.
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice
Then: In ‘88, Michael Keaton was Beetlejuice, the wild, green-haired “bio-exorcist” in a pinstripe suit. His crazy energy and gross-out charm made the role iconic, even if he was only on screen for like 17 minutes.
Now: At 73, Keaton came back for Beetlejuice Then vs. Now and hasn’t lost his spark. He’s been killing it in stuff like Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) as Vulture and Dopesick (2021), where he snagged an Emmy. Still got that sly grin and looks like he’s barely aged a day.
Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz
Then: Winona Ryder, just 16, was the ultimate goth girl as Lydia, rocking black bangs and a “strange and unusual” vibe. She stole hearts and kicked off her rise to fame.
Now: At 53, Ryder’s back as Lydia in the sequel, now a mom with a ghost-hunting show. She’s been in hits like Little Women (1994) and Stranger Things, where she plays Joyce. Her style’s softened, but she’s still got that intense, ageless vibe.
Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz
Then: Catherine O’Hara was hilarious as Delia, the dramatic artist with wild hair and weirder sculptures. She brought big energy to the Deetz family chaos.
Now: Now 70, O’Hara’s still a riot, returning as Delia in 2024. Her role as Moira in Schitt’s Creek got her an Emmy, and she’s voiced Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas. She’s in Argylle (2024) too, showing she’s still got it.
Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland
Then: At 30, Alec Baldwin played Adam, the nice-guy ghost in plaid. His chill vibe balanced the movie’s madness, and he clicked so well with Geena Davis.
Now: At 66, Baldwin’s had a big career, from 30 Rock to The Departed (2006). The Rust thing in 2021 was rough, and he didn’t come back for the sequel since the Maitlands’ story ended. He’s now on a TLC show with his wife and kids, looking a bit grayer but still solid.
Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland
Then: Geena Davis, 32, played Barbara, Adam’s sweet ghost wife. Her warmth and funny reactions made the Maitlands super likable.
Now: At 68, Davis didn’t do the sequel, saying ghosts don’t age, so it wouldn’t fit. She won an Oscar for The Accidental Tourist (1988) and did Thelma & Louise (1991). Now she runs her Geena Davis Institute for women in media and was in Grey’s Anatomy (2018). Still got that big smile.
Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz
Then: Jeffrey Jones was Charles, Lydia’s dad, a real estate guy with a goofy side. His freaked-out reactions to ghosts were gold.
Now: At 77, Jones didn’t return—Charles dies in the sequel, with his face in stop-motion but voiced by someone else because of Jones’ legal issues from years back. He was in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) but’s mostly out of the spotlight now.
Sylvia Sidney as Juno
Then: Sylvia Sidney, 78, played Juno, the tough afterlife caseworker with a sliced throat. Her gritty vibe added weight to the comedy.
Now: Sidney passed in 1999 at 88 from throat cancer. She was in classics like Fury (1936) and Mars Attacks! (1996). Her Beetlejuice role won her a Saturn Award, and she’s still a legend.
Glenn Shadix as Otho
Then: Glenn Shadix was Otho, the over-the-top designer who accidentally starts an exorcism. His big personality fit Burton’s world perfectly.
Now: Shadix sadly died in 2010 at 58. He voiced the Mayor in The Nightmare Before Christmas and was in Heathers (1988). Fans still miss his flair.
New Folks in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The 2024 sequel added some cool new faces:
- Jenna Ortega as Astrid, Lydia’s teen daughter, fresh off Wednesday and Scream (2022).
- Justin Theroux as Rory, Lydia’s shady boyfriend, from The Leftovers.
- Monica Bellucci as Delores, a spooky zombie, known for The Matrix Reloaded (2003).
- Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, a ghost detective, from Poor Things (2023).
Why We Still Love Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice’s got that weird, fun, heartfelt thing going on, with practical effects and a killer cast. The sequel brings back Keaton, Ryder, and O’Hara, making fans all nostalgic. Rewatch the 1988 classic or stream Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Then vs. Now on Netflix—it’s a blast.
What’s your favorite Beetlejuice Then vs. Now moment? “Day-O” or “Jump in the Line”? Let me know in the comments!
Outbound links
Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice
Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland
Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland
Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz
