How old is Betelgeuse in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice? Character's age explored

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the highly anticipated sequel to Beetlejuice (1988), premiered across theaters on September 6, 2024. The newly released film follows up on the first film's events after thirty-six years.

Tim Burton's Beetlejuice (1988) rose to become a pop culture phenomenon with its avant-garde take on horror comedy, introducing a quirky set of characters who won viewers' hearts across all ages. One of the most talked-about developments surrounding Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was the return of the original characters Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), and Delia Deetz (Catherine O'Hara).

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice returns with the iconic character of Betelgeuse after three decades; this time, the film delves more into the history of the mysterious character. Viewers who questioned exactly how old Betelgeuse is now have an answer, explored in the newly released film. The character of Betelgeuse is over 600 years old in both films.

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The character of Betelgeuse is more than 680 years in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

In the first Beetlejuice film, Betelgeuse was introduced as an ancient ghost who exercised bio-exorcism. The ancient ghost was described as having lived across all periods but not belonging to any. However, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has delved more into Betelgeuse's life (rather an afterlife) and how he died.

The second film provides flashbacks to Betelgeuse's life, showing that he was alive during the Black Plague in Spain. It is revealed that he was killed by his wife Delores in Spain during the era of the Plague. The Plague lasted in Spain from around 1348 to 1350. This makes Betelgeuse alive roughly 640 years before Beetlejuice's initial timeframe.

It is estimated that Betelgeuse was 40 years old at the time of his death, making Betelgeuse roughly 680 years in the first film. With Beetlejuice Beetlejuice taking place 36 years after the first film's events, it can be deduced that Betelgeuse is approximately 716 years old in the second film.

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How old is Michael Keaton during the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice?

Michael Keaton at the "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" UK Premiere (Image via Getty)

Veteran actor Michael Keaton has reprised his role as the eccentric and macabre ghost Betelgeuse in the recently released sequel of Beetlejuice. When he first played the character in 1988, Keaton was 36. With the sequel's release taking place after more than three decades, Michael Keaton is currently 72.

Keaton was one of the major reasons behind the success and cult following of the first film with his portrayal of the titular character. The goth setting of the film was an avant-garde concept back in the 1980s, and Keaton's Betelgeuse was an outspoken and foul-mouthed character who played a central role in the film's success.

In the first film, the 680-year-old ghost eerily wanted to marry the 16-year-old Lydia (Winona Ryder), creating an uncomfortable scenario. More than three decades later, Keaton's character remains unapologetically the same as he resumes his pursuit to marry a now 50-year-old Lydia. He remains steadfast in terrorizing the Deetz family and the new family members.

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About Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The sequel to the popular 1988 film follows Lydia Deetz as she tries to retrieve her estranged daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) from the afterlife. To retrieve her daughter from the afterlife, Lydia has to reluctantly take the help of the politically incorrect ghost, Betelgeuse.

The official synopsis of the film, as per Warner Bros., reads:

"After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened."

It further reads:

"With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem."

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is currently screening across major theaters in the United States.