The Ghost With The Most: Who Plays Beetlejuice In The 2024 Sequel And The Full Cast Secrets Revealed

The iconic, striped-suit-wearing "Ghost with the Most" is back, and the question on every fan's mind this *December 15, 2025* is whether the original actor has returned to reprise the role. The definitive answer is a resounding yes: the character of Beetlejuice, or Betelgeuse, is played by the legendary actor Michael Keaton. Keaton is returning to the role that cemented his status as a cinematic icon, not just for the 1988 classic, but for the highly anticipated 2024 sequel, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*.

This long-awaited sequel, directed once again by the master of gothic fantasy, Tim Burton, has generated massive buzz thanks to the return of key original cast members and the addition of a new generation of talent. While Michael Keaton's chaotic energy is the centerpiece, the film's success hinges on the dynamic between the original poltergeist and the new stars, particularly Jenna Ortega, who steps into a pivotal role in the Deetz family lineage.

Michael Keaton: The Man Behind the Bio-Exorcist

Michael Keaton is the one and only actor who has played the titular character in the live-action films. His portrayal of the crude, mischievous, and wildly unpredictable ghost Betelgeuse is considered a masterclass in dark comedy. Before diving into the sequel's details, here is a complete profile of the actor who brings the Ghost with the Most to life.

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Michael Keaton: Full Biography Profile

• Full Name: Michael John Douglas
• Born: September 5, 1951
• Birthplace: Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Career Start: Began his career in comedy, notably on the TV series *All That Glitters* and *The Mary Tyler Moore Hour*.
• Breakthrough Roles: *Night Shift* (1982) and *Mr. Mom* (1983).
• Iconic Roles: Beetlejuice (1988, 2024), Bruce Wayne / Batman in *Batman* (1989) and *Batman Returns* (1992).
• Major Accolades:
  • Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (*Dopesick*).
  • Two Golden Globe Awards (Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for *Birdman* and Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Film for *Dopesick*).
  • Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor (*Birdman*).
• Recent Work: Gained critical acclaim for roles in *Birdman*, *Spotlight*, and his return as the Vulture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film *Spider-Man: Homecoming*.

Keaton’s return to the role after more than three decades is a testament to the character’s enduring popularity and the unique chemistry he shares with director Tim Burton. His commitment to the role ensures that the sequel maintains the anarchic spirit of the 1988 classic.

The Returning Stars: Deetz Family Dynamics

The core of the *Beetlejuice* universe has always been the bizarre relationship between the Deetz family and the afterlife. The sequel, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, brings back the two most beloved members of the original cast alongside Keaton, ensuring continuity and nostalgia for longtime fans.

Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz

Winona Ryder reprises her role as Lydia Deetz, the morbid, black-clad teenager from the original film who had the unique ability to see ghosts. In the new film, Lydia is now an adult and a mother, facing new challenges that inevitably draw her back into the realm of the dead. Her character's journey is central to the sequel's plot, as she must contend with the return of Betelgeuse while protecting her own daughter from the chaos he brings.

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Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz

The delightfully eccentric Catherine O’Hara also returns as Delia Deetz, Lydia's stepmother. Delia, the self-proclaimed sculptor and artist, provided much of the original film's comic relief with her pretentious, avant-garde style. Her return promises more high-fashion, high-drama moments as the Deetz family once again deals with the supernatural.

New Faces and Afterlife Entities in *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*

To expand the world of the living and the dead, Tim Burton has introduced several new, high-profile characters, adding layers of topical authority and fresh conflict to the sequel. These new entities are crucial for the film's narrative, especially in establishing the next generation of the Deetz family and exploring the bureaucracy of the afterlife.

Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz

One of the most talked-about additions is Jenna Ortega, who plays Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s daughter. Ortega, a rising star known for her work in the horror genre and her title role in the Tim Burton-produced series *Wednesday*, is perfectly cast as the next generation of gothic youth. Her character is reportedly drawn into the supernatural world when a family tragedy strikes, leading to the accidental summoning of Beetlejuice. This key role positions Astrid as the new focal point for the franchise’s future.

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Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson

The legendary actor Willem Dafoe joins the cast as Wolf Jackson, a character with a unique, morbid backstory. Dafoe’s character is an afterlife police officer, or "afterlife cop," who was a B-movie action star before his death. This entity adds a new dimension to the "Waiting Room" and the rules of the dead, suggesting that Beetlejuice will have to deal with more than just the Deetz family in the sequel. Wolf Jackson is expected to be a major antagonist or at least a bureaucratic headache for Betelgeuse.

Monica Bellucci as Delores

Italian actress and model Monica Bellucci has been cast in the intriguing role of Delores, who is revealed to be Beetlejuice’s ex-wife. Described in reports as a "soul-sucking demon," Delores's presence suggests a deep dive into Betelgeuse's own past and the chaotic, possibly romantic, history of the afterlife. Her introduction is a major plot point, providing a formidable, personal challenge for the Ghost with the Most.

Justin Theroux as Rory

Justin Theroux rounds out the new cast as Rory. His character is a television producer and a new romantic interest for the adult Lydia Deetz. Rory’s role as a character from the "normal" world who is thrust into the supernatural chaos will likely serve as a comedic foil to the gothic elements and the returning supernatural entities.

The Enduring Legacy of Betelgeuse

The enduring popularity of the *Beetlejuice* franchise, which includes the original film, an animated series, and a Broadway musical, is largely due to Michael Keaton’s unforgettable performance. The character, a chaotic spirit who only needs to be named three times to appear, has become a cultural shorthand for dark, irreverent humor.

The sequel, *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, scheduled for release in September 2024, is not just a nostalgic revisit; it is a true continuation of the story, exploring the themes of family, death, and the transition of generations. The inclusion of new talent like Jenna Ortega and seasoned actors like Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci alongside the returning core cast—Keaton, Ryder, and O'Hara—ensures that the new film has enough fresh energy and topical authority to stand on its own.

From the original film's visual style to the sequel's promise of new, bizarre afterlife entities, the question of "who plays Beetlejuice" remains simple: it is Michael Keaton. However, the film's true depth lies in the entire ensemble, which is set to deliver a new chapter of gothic dark fantasy that is sure to thrill both original fans and a new generation.