Behind the Design: The Story of Our Beetlejuice Shirt

Discover the creative process and inspiration behind our unique Beetlejuice shirt design in this exclusive behind-the-scenes look.

Beetlejuice was an unexpected hit upon its release in the spring of 1988. Since then, the film has left an incredible pop culture footprint. Starring Michael Keaton, this supernatural comedy introduced Tim Burton’s unique aesthetic to the masses. It resonated particularly with spooky goth kids who had a sense of humor about themselves. Decades later, Beetlejuice’s popularity endures, with a sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to hit theaters in September 2024. Celebrate Beetlejuice’s enduring legacy with our exclusive Beetlejuice shirt, a perfect tribute to this iconic film. Grab yours today and join the fandom in style!

1. Bugging Neighbors and Ghostbusters Inspired Beetlejuice

In the early 1980s, horror novelist Michael McDowell saw Poltergeist and Ghostbusters succeed. Both films introduced supernatural ideas to mainstream audiences with a lighter touch and were hits. McDowell tried writing a horror story with a similar style after seeing this. The Ringer reported that McDowell and his partner were in Medford, Massachusetts when the yuppie surge began. McDowell created nice ghosts that must remove bad contemporary people from their home after being annoyed by their pretentious new neighbors in their small town. The “nice ghosts” hire Betelgeuse, a mischievous “bio-exorcist”. Naturally pronounced “Beetlejuice.”

After Larry Wilson and Warren Skaaren revised McDowell’s script, it went to David Geffen’s production business before Warner Bros. Studios. Many studio execs enjoyed the script but worried it was too odd for general audiences. The creatives discussed renaming it House Ghosts. It ended darker with adolescent lead Lydia dying in a fire and haunting the house. Studios demanded these darker and more evil elements be removed. In retrospect, this was probably wise.

Tim Burton wanted to direct the film after Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’s success. He believed Beetlejuice matched his peculiar tastes… The studio concurred. Warner Bros. gambled with a $13 million budget. Burton wanted Michael Keaton to play the title character despite his recent failures. He cast novice Winona Ryder as goth Lydia Deetz. Leading roles were played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwini as the ghostly Maitlands and Catherine O’Hara as Lydia’s unpleasant and eccentric stepmom. With everything ready, production began in Los Angeles and Vermont in early 1987.

2. Beetlejuice Becomes a Sleeper Hit

On March 30, 1988, the film Beetlejuice was released in theaters and went on to become the tenth highest-grossing film of the year. With a budget of only thirteen million dollars, it managed to make an astounding seventy-three million dollars! The “bio-exorcist” character that Keaton played was responsible for the creation of catchphrases that became popular among audiences. The phrase “It’s showtime!” or “I’m the ghost with the most, babe!” was being repeated over and over again by everyone, from the hosts of late-night talk shows to the children playing on the playground.

It was all of a sudden that classic songs such as “Day-O” by Harry Belafonte, which was utilized in humorous scenes from the movie, gained radio play once more. And after repeating “Beetlejuice” three times, who could possibly resist? Beetlejuice was released during the height of VHS rentals and repeat airings on cable television, all of which contributed to the film’s enduring popularity in popular culture. “I myself am strange and unusual” was a statement that Winona Ryder sang, and it became a motto for a generation of goth and goth adjacent adolescents.

3. Beetlejuice Aesthetic Is Originating from Tim Burton

Tim Burton’s first film maintained Pee-wee Herman’s style. But Beetlejuice allowed him to go full Burton. It features his characteristic swirly designs, cartoon gothicness, and supernatural figures in pin-stripe suits. Burton and Danny Elfman collaborated on Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, but Beetlejuice polished their sound. The film also started Burton’s work with Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara.

Warner Bros. trusted Burton and Keaton to lead Batman to Gotham City after the film’s popularity. However, Burton didn’t seem interested in returning to Beetlejuice when his career took off. The studio considered sequels for different directors for years. In the 1990s, Warner Bros. gave Kevin Smith the chance to film “Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian.” Smith—and we—are grateful it never happened.

4. Get your Beetlejuice shirt ready for the comeback

The Broadway musical based on the film Beetlejuice has given the character new life in recent years. Following its 2018 debut, the musical received positive reviews and multiple Tony nominations. Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted its initial run, it had a successful national tour in 2022 and 2023 at the Marquis Theater.

Now, the long-awaited film sequel, Beetlejuice 2, is finally arriving in September 2024! Will it be successful enough to warrant another sequel? Given the franchise’s past success, it’s highly probable. Let’s hope someone calls out Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice soon, as he must be summoned by name three times.

In the meantime, celebrate the enduring legacy of Beetlejuice with our exclusive Beetlejuice shirt. Perfect for any fan, our shirts feature unique designs that pay homage to this iconic character. Don’t wait decades for the next chapter—shop now and keep the Beetlejuice spirit alive!