After the surprise box office success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Warner Bros. Pictures might just say the name a third time. May we suggest Threetlejuice? In an exclusive interview with Deadline, studio co-chairs and CEOs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy revealed that a third installment in Tim Burton’s iconic spooky franchise is already inching its way toward reality. The duo confirmed they are “imminently” developing sequels to both Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and A Minecraft Movie, which became two of 2025’s most unexpected—and lucrative—blockbusters.
“The ink might not be dry on the deals yet,” De Luca said, “but imminently,” suggesting both films are quickly becoming top-priority franchise plays for the studio. That would be big news on its own, but it comes in the context of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice massively overperforming expectations. The long-gestating sequel reunited original cast members Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, while bringing in new blood like Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux. Given how much fans loved the movie, critics loved the movie, and studios love the money, this shouldn’t come as too much of a shock.
The Success of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ Invigorated Warner Bros.
The strong reception to both Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Minecraft has helped push back against recent speculative headlines questioning De Luca and Abdy’s leadership of the company—stories they attribute to what De Luca calls “the snark industrial complex.” Instead, the duo is focused on long-term strategy, which includes revitalizing beloved IP alongside original work that catches the eye.
“These jobs come with a certain amount of scrutiny,” De Luca said. “We were given a mandate to take swings with original material, with the world’s best storytellers.” Abdy echoed the sentiment, highlighting the delicate balance:
“Sometimes you’re going to pick winners, sometimes you’re not. But how can you not feel like it’s a dream? We’re excited about the slate and all we can do is work on the movies and make them the best we can.”
Alongside plans for Beetlejuice 3, the studio has other franchise expansions underway, including Andy Serkis’ Gollum film, a new Matrix from Drew Goddard, and Amblin’s development of new Gremlins and Goonies projects with Chris Columbus. And while
Beetlejuice 3 hasn’t been officially summoned yet, the afterlife is looking pretty lively at Warner Bros. “We’re trying to step on the gas,” De Luca said. “To double, to quadruple that kind of success.”
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is streaming now on Max.
via Collider