Jenna Ortega says Beetlejuice 2 used almost no digital effects
Jenna Ortega says Beetlejuice 2 used almost no digital effects – The Merlina star talks about one of her next projects and is delighted with the work.
By Megan Sauer
The production of Beetlejuice 2 continues with Jenna Ortega as one of the protagonists and the young actress appeared today on the carpet of the 2024 Emmys to share a little of her perspective on the project.
Dressed in gala dresses, Ortega claims that the sequel is visually spectacular, arguing that the use of special effects was hardly necessary to make it shine.
Beetlejuice, released in 1988, tells the story of a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who discover that their house has been sold and are determined to scare the new tenants into leaving.
Faced with difficulties in scaring the living, they turn to Beetlejuice, an eccentric and chaotic bio exorcist, to help them. However, Beetlejuice has his own agenda and his involvement leads to a series of comedic and supernatural events.
The film is known for its distinctive visual style, dark humor, and memorable performances by Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice and the main cast.
In recent times it has become incredibly common to use computer generated images, however, Jenna Ortega assures that it was not very necessary for Beetlejuice 2 and that almost all the work was done with practical effects:
“[Beetlejuice 2] is visually very exciting. It’s all practical, I don’t think we used much CGI, so it was satisfying to film on set.”
Everlasting work
Beetlejuice has become a cult favorite thanks to its unique and creative approach to dark comedy, combined with Burton ‘s imaginative vision.
The film stands out for its gothic and surreal aesthetics, as well as for Michael Keaton ‘s unforgettable performance as the eccentric Beetlejuice.
The titular character is a charismatic, chaotic anti-hero who breaks conventions, and his presence, along with Danny Elfman ‘s distinctive visuals and brilliant soundtrack , has left a lasting mark on pop culture.
Furthermore, Beetlejuice has gained its cult status due to its ability to appeal to diverse audiences. The film combines elements of comedy, horror and fantasy in a way that makes it timeless and appealing to different generations.
Its extravagant narrative, quirky characters, and irreverent humor have resonated throughout time, earning a special place in the hearts of film fans who appreciate the originality and eccentricity that characterizes Tim Burton’s work .
Ortega began his acting career in television roles, appearing in series such as CSI: NY and Days of Our Lives.
However, it was her role in the hit Disney Channel series, Stuck in the Middle, that catapulted her to prominence, cementing her reputation as a promising young actress.
Subsequently, she has continued to diversify her career with participation in projects such as the Netflix series You and, of course, Merlina, a production that catapulted her to definitive global fame.
Jenna Ortega has proven her versatility by working in various genres, from comedy to thriller, and has been recognized for her acting talent and ability to take on challenging roles.
In addition to her acting career, Ortega has also been actively involved in promoting Latino representation in the entertainment industry. With her continued growth and dedication to meaningful projects, Jenna has captured the audience’s attention and appears to be on her way to establishing herself as a major figure in the entertainment industry.
The recent trend of creating sequels to cult works in cinema reflects the growing importance of nostalgia in the industry and the search for guaranteed hits.
Film studios, in an increasingly competitive environment, have recognized the value of capitalizing on the emotional hold that cult works have on the audience.
By revisiting beloved cinematic universes, the filmmakers hope to appeal to both original fans and new generations of viewers.
Nostalgia has become a strong currency at the box office, and sequels offer an opportunity to expand and revitalize iconic franchises.
However, this trend has also sparked debates about originality in the film industry and the possibility that these sequels may not live up to the expectations generated by their predecessors.
While some sequels manage to capture the essence and charm of the original works, others face criticism for seeming like commercial opportunities rather than genuine artistic efforts.
Although the cult sequel trend has led to notable hits, such as new installments of classic franchises, it also raises questions about creativity and innovation in an industry that sometimes seems to depend more on familiarity than on experimentation.
