Winona Ryder is set to reprise her role as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice 2, a much-anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's original 1988 fantasy horror comedy film, which will be a record-breaking event in 2024.
Ryder's appearance in Beetlejuice 2 36 years after Beetlejuice was released will mark a new career milestone for the actress -- Lydia Deetz will become the role that she has held the longest (via Screen Rant). This personal record previously belonged to Stranger Things where Ryder has portrayed Joyce Byers for seven years so far.
The actress was never a fan of multiple-season shows until Stranger Things came along in 2016, which is why it was so easy for the sci-fi horror series to become Ryder's longest role. Before that, the Beetlejuice star mostly opted for standalone movies within a variety of genres, bold miniseries, or guest roles in shows. The Duffer Brothers' Stranger Things went on to garner a massive audience and introduce Ryder to a whole new generation of fans.
Beetlejuice 2 Will Set Several Records for Winona Ryder
Beetlejuice, which instantly earned the status of a cult classic after receiving critical acclaim and grossing $74.7 million at the box office against a $15 million budget in 1988, was the star's breakout movie. When Ryder was cast as Lydia, who Betelgeuse wanted to marry to cause chaos in the mortal world, she was just 17 years old. Beetlejuice 2, which is scheduled to be released in 2024, will see Ryder, Michael Keaton, and Catherine O'Hara return to their roles over three decades later.
The record-breaking does not end with the role that almost spans the actress' entire career path. Beetlejuice 2 will also mark the first time Ryder will reprise a role in a sequel. The star previously appeared in films that had sequels she didn't come back for (such as 2009’s Star Trek). She graced sequels to other titles with her presence as a new character that wasn't introduced in the original (such as 1997's Alien Resurrection). Yet she has never played the same role twice on the big screen until Beetlejuice 2.
Beetlejuice 2, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, and Catherine O'Hara, is set to debut on Sep. 6, 2024. Stranger Things Season 5 does not have an official release date yet.
Source: Screen Rant