Summary
Though no character can compare to the devious villainy of Michael Keaton’s titular poltergeist inBeetlejuice 2, the sequel has already teased its human antagonist in Winter River. Unlike Beetlejuice’s iconic pinstripe suit, the divide between the living heroes and villains in Tim Burton’s originalBeetlejuicemovie isn’t so black-and-white. Initially, theDeetz family membersand their friends are presented as antagonists to the Maitlands, only for Lydia to become a surrogate daughter to Adam and Barbara by the end of the movie.
While all the characters will still be contending with Michael Keaton’s villain,Beetlejuice 2seems to be more directly introducing a strong antagonist within the Deetz clan. In a fewnew clips fromBeetlejuice 2,the dynamic between Justin Theroux’s Rory and the Deetzes is further highlighted, which hints at his darker role and intentions in the movie. As a questionable figure in the Deetz family dynamic and Lydia’s new love interest,Rory will seemingly provide a great human villain foil to Michael Keaton’s mischievous ghostwithinBeetlejuice 2’s cast of characters.
Beetlejuice 2 Sets Up Justin Theroux’s Rory As The Human Villain
Rory Is Set Up As A Suspicious Character Within The Deetz Family Dynamic
In clips of scenes from Tim Burton’sBeetlejuice 2,Justin Theroux’s new character Rory appears to be at odds with Delia and Astrid Deetz, Lydia’s stepmother and daughter. In one clip, a frantic Rory runs up to the Winter River house when hearing screams from Delia. When he reaches the house to find that Delia was screaming and capturing photos of herself as part of an art installation aboutCharles Deetz’s death, Rory tries to hug her. However, Delia lets out a small shriek before Rory tries to touch her, suggesting Catherine O’Hara’s beloved character isn’t a fan of him.
I’ve Been Dying To See Lydia’s Relationship With This Beetlejuice 2 Character Since The Original Movie
Winona Ryder’s Lydia will be a key player in the Beetlejuice sequel, and I can’t wait to see how her relationship with another character plays out.
Another clip gives some additional insight intoBeetlejuice 2’s plot through Astrid’s dynamic with Rory. Since actress Jenna Ortega has already revealed thatAstrid’s father recently diedafter he and Lydia previously split up, it alreadyseems like Astrid isn’t interested in getting to know Rory, her mom’s new romantic interest. In a scene between Astrid and Rory, Theroux’s character asks Ortega’s teen to share her emotions with her regarding her grandfather’s unexpected death, to which she nonchalantly responds with a burp to end their conversation.
In yet another clip shared ahead ofBeetlejuice 2’s July 08, 2025 release, Rory is seen directly ignoring Lydia’s wishes to not utter the titular character’s name. Forcing her to confront the traumatizing demon from her teenage years, Rory says “Beetlejuice” in succession, transporting the couple before him in the Maitlands’ town model. From whatBeetlejuice 2has shared about Rory so far, heseems to be attempting to manipulate his way into the Deetz family’s inner circle, with all but Lydia apparently rejecting and being suspicious of him.
Similar to how Charles and Delia’s friends wanted to exploit the Maitlands’ paranormal activities for commercial gain, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rory was taking advantage of Lydia to do the same in Beetlejuice 2.
Therefore, Rory is set up asBeetlejuice 2’s primary human antagonist. Whereas Charles, Delia, and their friend Otho were major threats to the Maitlands, it was only the latter living character who wasn’t seen making amends with the ghosts byBeetlejuice’s original ending. This will likely be the same case with Rory inBeetlejuice 2, as it seems that he’ll be at odds with Keaton’s character while also serving as an obstacle within the Deetz family dynamic throughout the sequel.
Similar to how Charles and Delia’s friends wanted to exploit the Maitlands’ paranormal activities for commercial gain, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rory was taking advantage of Lydia to do the same inBeetlejuice 2. Lydia hosts her own horror TV paranormal investigations talk show inBeetlejuice 2, so it’spossible that Rory is using his relationship with Lydia to make their show more successfulwhile back in Winter River.
Rory Sounds Like Beetlejuice 2’s New Otho Replacement
Rory Fills A Role in Beetlejuice 2 Similar To The Original Movie’s Otho
From his keen fashion sense to his status as the closest non-familial character to the Deetzes,Justin Theroux’s Rory seems like he’s taking on a role very similar to Glenn Shadix’s Otho from the originalBeetlejuicemovie. In the 1988 film, Otho was an interior designer, colleague, and friend of Delia Deetz who helped her with remodeling the Maitlands’ Winter River house. Otho was also part of Charles and Delia’s plans to try to capitalize on having ghosts haunt the Winter River house, and even ended up leading a “seance” due to his experience with studying the paranormal.
Beetlejuice 2 Confirms Its Replacement For Tim Burton Actor’s Fan-Favorite Original Character
One new character in Beetlejuice 2 suggests a favorite from past Tim Burton movies, including 1988’s Beetlejuice, is getting somewhat replaced.
Though Rory is in a relationship withWinona Ryder’s Lydia inBeetlejuice 2, his character is presented as an outsider within the Deetz family. LikeOtho trying to help Delia with her business and artistic pursuits, Rory appears to be playing a similar role with Lydia in the 2024 Tim Burton movie. However, while Otho was never seen again after Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice turned his black suit into a blue leisure suit in the 1988 film, it seems Rory’s story will be given proper closure inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Fan-favorite character Otho will not be returning inBeetlejuice 2, as his actor Glenn Shadix sadly passed away in 2010.
Rory Gives Michael Keaton The Perfect Enemy In Beetlejuice 2
Beetlejuice Has A Personal Reason To Get Rid Of Rory In The Sequel
In the original movie, Michael Keaton’s character was an antagonist to anyone and everyone, simply hoping to utilize his chaotic schemes and terrifying tricks to his advantage. There was ultimatelyno personal reason for him attacking Charles and Delia Deetz, the Maitlands themselves, or the Deetzes’ friends inBeetlejuice’s ending – he was just doing his “job.” However,Beetlejuice 2adds a new twist to Michael Keaton’s villain return through the character of Rory.
Michael Keaton & Winona Ryder’s Beetlejuice 2 Story Pays Off Tim Burton’s 35-Year-Old Horror Spinoff Show
Beetlejuice 2 will feature a new character dynamic for Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder which could potentially mirror another Tim Burton project.
Beetlejuice 2reveals that the titular character has been in love with Lydia Deetz for the 36 years since he tried to marry her as a teenager, but Ryder’s character has ignored his attempts to contact her over the past couple of decades. Since the sequel’s trailers have already teased anotherwedding scene between Beetlejuice and Lydia, it seems thatKeaton’s character will see Rory as his primary romantic rival. Therefore, his scheming and mischief aimed at Rory will be based on the two as rivals vying for Lydia, rather than simply seeing him as collateral in his devious plans.
Another difference that comes with Rory being set up as the human antagonist is that Beetlejuice’s antics will feel more deserved towards Theroux’s character. When Beetlejuice began to attack Charles and Delia, there was no satisfying payoff because Lydia’s parents were ultimately quite harmless. The Maitlands only wanted them to move away, not to cause long-lasting damage to the family and Otho on behalf of Beetlejuice. However, if the Deetzes discover that Rory has been manipulating them or that his intentions aren’t genuine, then theremay be some more gratification in seeing Keaton scare and torment himinBeetlejuice 2.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Cast
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the sequel to the original Tim Burton classic that starred Michael Keaton and Wynona Rider in a horror-comedy that involved ghosts trying to scare off new homebuyers from taking their house. The sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the hilarious and sleazy ghost with selfish intentions, now joined by Jenna Ortega in a new role.
Beetlejuice
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice stars Michael Keaton as the titular “bio-exorcist”, an obnoxious spirit who specializes in driving living occupants out of homes. When Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die suddenly, they pass into the spirit realm, and must stay in their home. However, in the living world, the Deetz family purchases the house and moves in, prompting the Maitlands to enlist the help of Beetlejuice to drive them away.
