- On the brink of career retirement.
Acclaimed filmmaker and artist Tim Burton (65) has captivated audiences for decades with hits like "Edward Scissorhands", "Corpse Bride", and "Alice in Wonderland". His latest project, a sequel to the 1988 horror comedy "Beetlejuice" titled "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", is set to hit theaters soon. However, there was a time when Burton wasn't certain about continuing his filmmaking journey.
During an interview with Variety magazine, Burton looked back on the five-year gap between "Dumbo" in 2019 and "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice", his longest film-making pause. He attributed this to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "I felt like everything was shifting, and I just wanted to focus on my personal feelings and thoughts."
Burton questioned his future
But then came the successful Netflix series "Wednesday", for which he directed several episodes, and Burton found his way back to creative pursuits. After "Dumbo", he admitted, "I wondered if I wanted to carry on working. 'This could be the end of the road,' I thought," Burton recalled with a chuckle. "I could've retired, or... I wouldn't have gone back to animation, that's a closed chapter," he added. However, the project revitalized him. "It gave me a new sense of motivation."
In Hollywood, Burton explained, the focus often shifts towards managing budgets and responsibilities, which can sometimes sideline personal creativity. "It reminded me of the importance of doing what I love, as then everyone benefits," he stated.
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" will make its world debut on August 28, opening the 81st Venice International Film Festival. It will arrive in German cinemas on September 12. The film stars "Wednesday" lead actress Jenna Ortega (21), Winona Ryder (52), and Michael Keaton (72).
Following his uncertainty about continuing his filmmaking journey, Burton admitted, "I wondered if I wanted to carry on working. 'This could be the end of my career,' I thought." After finding inspiration in the Netflix series "Wednesday", he found a renewed sense of motivation and continued his creative pursuits.
