Key Points:
- Jenna Ortega recalls childhood nightmares about Beetlejuice before being cast in its sequel.
- The nightmares were triggered by a Halloween costume resembling Michael Keaton’s character.
- Ortega formed a strong bond with co-star Winona Ryder during the filming of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
Jenna Ortega, who plays the lead in the upcoming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, reveals that her nightmares about the iconic character began long before she was cast in the sequel. These nightmares, sparked by a Halloween costume mimicking Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice, haunted her as a child and have now come full circle as she steps into the world of Tim Burton’s beloved franchise.
How Did Jenna Ortega’s Childhood Nightmares Involve Beetlejuice?
Jenna Ortega recently shared that her introduction to the world of Beetlejuice happened in a rather terrifying way. As a child, she experienced recurring nightmares featuring the character long before she even knew who Beetlejuice was. These fears began after seeing a poorly made Halloween costume, which left a lasting impression on her young mind. The smeared makeup and grotesque green and black face paint of a person dressed as Beetlejuice frightened her, embedding the character deep into her subconscious.
Ortega explained that she didn’t fully understand what she had seen until she watched the original 1988 film at around age 8 or 9. The sight of Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the ghost with the most only solidified her fear. In her recurring dreams, Beetlejuice would visit her while she slept in her bottom bunk bed, wearing a Superman cape and offering her grape juice. These bizarre yet frightening dreams stayed with her throughout her childhood.
READ MORE: Why Does Moana Look So Different in Moana 2?
What Was Jenna Ortega’s Experience Working with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder?
Despite her childhood fears, Jenna Ortega never brought up her Beetlejuice nightmares when she met Michael Keaton on set. She admitted that there might have been a lingering fear that held her back from sharing her story with the actor. Meeting Keaton, who had been a significant figure in her childhood nightmares, was an intimidating experience for the young star. Ortega found herself reverting to her younger self, in awe of the actor who had unknowingly haunted her dreams for years.
During the filming of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Ortega also developed a close bond with her co-star Winona Ryder, who reprised her role from the original film. Ortega described Ryder as a mentor who provided her with much-needed support during a transformative period in her life. She shared how Ryder made her feel beautiful and special at a time when her career was rapidly changing, particularly after the success of her role in Wednesday.
READ MORE: Original Creator’s Involvement: James O’Barr’s Influence on “The Crow” (2024)
Ortega expressed her gratitude for Ryder’s warmth and kindness, noting how their connection was almost like reading each other’s minds. While Ortega didn’t delve into specific advice Ryder gave her, she acknowledged that Ryder’s presence and understanding were invaluable to her during this time.
Source: People
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is set to be released in theaters on September 6.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
