In a recent episode of the “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa” podcast, actress Catherine O’Hara shared some exciting news about the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, titled Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. O’Hara, who is set to reprise her role as Delia Deetz, revealed that the iconic “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belafonte will be featured in the new movie.
Fans of the original 1988 film will undoubtedly remember the hilarious dinner scene where Delia and her guests become possessed by ghosts, breaking into a lively song-and-dance routine to the tune of “Day-O.” The song became so closely associated with the movie that it was even included in the Broadway musical adaptation, along with another Belafonte hit, “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora).”
O’Hara also discussed how director Tim Burton, who was a newcomer when he made the first Beetlejuice, wanted to capture the same carefree, playful spirit in the sequel. “He really just wanted that feeling back of just playing and nobody looking over his shoulder,” O’Hara shared, adding that Burton was “in that same state of mind, real free and fun” during the filming of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
The sequel reunites original cast members O’Hara, Winona Ryder, and Michael Keaton, while also introducing new faces such as Monica Bellucci and Jenna Ortega. O’Hara praised her co-stars, noting that Ryder “looks beautiful, beautiful skin” and that Ortega is “a cool young woman.”
While plot details remain under wraps, it has been reported that Ortega will play Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Bellucci will portray Beetlejuice’s wife. O’Hara was careful not to reveal too much, stating, “I don’t want to blow it for anyone. I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone.”
Beetlejuice fans have been eagerly awaiting this sequel for over three decades, and with the return of the original cast, the addition of talented newcomers, and the promise of more iconic musical moments, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is shaping up to be a must-see film when it hits theaters on September 6.
