- Amidst rumors of his artistic decline, Tim Burton teetered on the brink of professional exhaustion.
Legendary director and artistic powerhouse Tim Burton has captivated audiences for decades with cinematic gems like "Edward Scissorhands", "Corpse Bride – A Wedding with a Corpse" and "Alice in Wonderland". His next masterpiece, the highly anticipated "Beetlejuice 2", a follow-up to the iconic 1988 horror comedy "Beetlejuice", is set to grace the silver screen soon. However, there was a period in Burton's career where the continuation of his filmmaking journey was uncertain.
During an exclusive interview with "Variety" magazine in 202X, Burton discussed the significant gap between "Dumbo" in 2019 and the upcoming "Beetlejuice 2". The renowned director pondered the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "I felt like everything was in flux during COVID-19, and instead of getting swept up in it, I focused on my personal emotions and feelings."
Burton contemplated, "maybe that was it"
Yet, fate had other plans. A project emerged: Netflix's hit series "Wednesday", in which Burton played a significant role as a director. This rekindled his passion for storytelling, allowing him to rediscover his creative energy.
Post "Dumbo", Burton was unsure about his desire to continue creating. "I thought, maybe that was it, honestly," he reflected. "I could've retired, or maybe I could've... well, I wouldn't have returned to animation, that ship had sailed," he chuckled. However, this project served as a catalyst for his newfound motivation.
In Hollywood, it's not uncommon for creatives to focus on financial responsibilities, but sometimes that focus can lead one astray. By returning to his creative pursuits, Burton affirmed his philosophy: "It's important for me to do what I want to do, because then everyone benefits."
"Beetlejuice 2" will make its grand debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 28, followed by its German cinema release on September 12. The star-studded cast includes Jenna Ortega from the "Wednesday" series, along with Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton.
In the same vein of his creative comeback, Tim Burton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to direct the Netflix series "Wednesday", stating it "rekindled his passion for storytelling" and "allowed him to rediscover his creative energy". Despite initial uncertainty after "Dumbo", Burton pondered the possibility of retirement or shifting focus, but a creative project served as a catalyst for his newfound motivation, reinforcing his belief in following his artistic desires.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tim Burton has consistently adhered to this philosophy, ensuring that his passion drives his works, ultimately benefiting both himself and his audience.