Back in the spring, Michael Keaton was the subject of much “will-he/won’t-he” talk after word began to spread that he was signing on to play one of the villains in Spider-Man: Homecoming. He eventually accepted Marvel’s invitation, presumably so everyone could watch Bruce Wayne crash a high school dance. Of course, the speculation over this project hasn’t been quite on the same level as that of the decades-long discussion of a Beetlejuice sequel. Just last summer, Winona Ryder said she was at liberty to confirm the movie was in the works, figuring that if Tim Burton could do it, there was no reason she couldn’t.
That seemed like a good indication that the sequel would happen, but earlier this year, Burton’s rep had to issue a statement refuting the rumors that Beetlejuice 2 was in production. The disavowal wasn’t exactly the final nail in the coffin, but after everything fans have recently been through, Beetlejuice himself is now warning them not to get their hopes up about a sequel. While speaking with Variety about his role in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Keaton was of course asked about the buzz around the movie. The actor said he has no information that isn’t already out there, which is just made up of rumors. But he did gently suggest that everyone should move on, saying “it’s possible that ship has sailed.” Keaton continued:
“The only way to do it is to do it right. So much of it was improvised and so much was beautifully handmade by the artist that is Tim Burton. If you can’t get close to that, you leave it alone.”
That’s sound advice for just about anyone with an idea for sequel or remake—and since it’s coming from Batman, filmmakers and studios would be advised to take it.