Tim Burton's highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, made its grand debut at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday night, bringing back to life the eerie and playful world of Beetlejuice on the big screen. The sequel to the 1988 cult classic has been a subject of intense speculation and excitement among fans of the original film, and the premiere did not disappoint. Alongside the revival of the ghostly and unpredictable title character, the premiere was also marked by unforgettable fashion moments as the stars embraced their characters with method-inspired red carpet looks. The evening was a spectacle that combined horror, humor, and high fashion in a way only Burton could orchestrate. Alix Earle Apologizes for Past Racist Comment on Social Media: A Journey of Accountability and Learning
While Beetlejuice, played once again by the enigmatic Michael Keaton, was the center of attention in the film, it was the leading ladies of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice who stole the spotlight on the red carpet. Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara brought their A-game, each choosing to embody their characters from the film through their attire, creating an almost cinematic moment before the audience even entered the theater.
Jenna Ortega in Dior Haute Couture
Jenna Ortega, who plays Astrid Deetz—Lydia Deetz's daughter in the sequel—certainly captured the essence of her character with her stunning choice of a Dior Haute Couture red tulle dress. Working with her stylist Enrique Melendez, Ortega recreated a look reminiscent of the wedding scene from the 1988 original, where Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) is coerced into marrying the mischievous Beetlejuice. The dramatic red tulle dress made a powerful statement on the red carpet, resonating with the eerie yet romantic atmosphere of the Beetlejuice universe.
The gown featured layers of red tulle, draped and cinched in ways that made it appear like a cascade of fiery flames, mirroring Astrid's bold personality in the film. Ortega completed the look with accessories from Dior Joaillerie, including a Bois de Rose necklace, bracelet, and rings in white gold, pink gold, and diamonds. The ensemble not only stayed true to her character’s dark, gothic style but also highlighted Ortega's growing influence in the fashion world as a Dior ambassador. The dress was not just a nod to the film's past but also a modern twist on a classic look, bringing the fantastical elements of Beetlejuice into a contemporary fashion context.
The choice of a red tulle dress also proved to be a practical one, considering the heat in Venice that night. As the city buzzed with excitement and anticipation, Ortega’s airy and vibrant gown seemed almost like a beacon, signaling the energy of the new generation stepping into the Beetlejuice narrative.
Winona Ryder in Chanel Haute Couture
Winona Ryder, reprising her iconic role as Lydia Deetz, opted for a Chanel Haute Couture ensemble that could have been pulled straight from the film’s set. Styled by Erica Cloud, Ryder's look was a masterclass in understated elegance, featuring a black silk tulle skirt paired with a fitted tuxedo jacket and vest adorned with gold buttons. The ensemble harkened back to the vintage glamor of Chanel’s 2007 haute couture presentation, but with an added dark, whimsical twist that was perfectly in line with Ryder’s character.
Lydia Deetz, known for her morose yet stylish demeanor, would have approved of the high-neck tuxedo jacket's sharp lines and the skirt's ethereal flow. Ryder’s choice to honor both Chanel and her character's unique fashion sense was not only a nod to the past but also a reflection of her evolution as a style icon. With her hair styled in her signature tousled waves and minimal yet striking makeup, Ryder brought Lydia Deetz to life again—this time as a more mature, seasoned woman who still embraces her gothic roots.
Onlookers were left spellbound by Ryder's presence, as she channeled the essence of Lydia not just in her fashion but in her entire demeanor. Her appearance served as a bridge between the original Beetlejuice and the new film, maintaining continuity while showcasing her growth as a character both on and off the screen.
Catherine O’Hara in Oscar de la Renta
Catherine O’Hara, a legend in her own right, reprised her role as Delia Deetz with an avant-garde approach to fashion that was both playful and bold. O’Hara’s red carpet moment was one of the most talked-about of the night, as she arrived in a custom Oscar de la Renta woven leather column gown embellished with floral designs and avant-garde elements jutting out from the top. The dress was a striking blend of contemporary art and classic elegance, reflecting the quirky yet sophisticated style of her character.
Delia Deetz is known for her eccentric art and bold fashion choices, and O’Hara’s look perfectly encapsulated that spirit. The unique texture of the woven leather gown, combined with floral embellishments, created a visually captivating effect that paid homage to Delia's artistic flair. Her choice to accessorize with jewels by Cartier, a festival partner, added a layer of timeless luxury to the ensemble, making her one of the best-dressed of the evening.
The reaction from the crowd was instantaneous, with many in awe of O’Hara’s bold choice. The gown’s design was not only a tribute to her character's creativity but also a reminder of O’Hara's versatility as an actress who can seamlessly blend humor with depth. As she posed for photographers, O’Hara exuded confidence and charisma, reminding everyone why she is such a beloved figure in both comedy and drama.
Monica Bellucci in Vivienne Westwood
Italian actress Monica Bellucci, who portrays Dolores—a former love interest of Beetlejuice—in the sequel, also made a statement on the Venice red carpet. She chose a custom Vivienne Westwood gown for the festival's opening ceremony, embracing the gothic romance aesthetic that defines the Beetlejuice world. The gown, featuring Westwood’s signature corsetry and draped fabrics, highlighted Bellucci’s timeless beauty and added a sense of classic Hollywood glamor to the event.
Bellucci arrived arm-in-arm with her partner, filmmaker Tim Burton, who looked dapper in a black Dior tuxedo. Together, they made a striking couple, embodying both the allure and the enigma of the Beetlejuice sequel. Bellucci's choice of a Cartier necklace and a Roger Vivier clutch completed her look, adding to the sophistication and mystique of her character, Dolores.
The collaboration between Bellucci and Westwood was a perfect match, blending Italian elegance with British avant-garde design. The gown’s structured bodice and flowing skirt echoed the duality of Dolores’s character—a woman caught between two worlds, much like the otherworldly themes of Beetlejuice.
A Night to Remember: The Intersection of Cinema and Fashion
The premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at the Venice Film Festival was not just a celebration of a beloved cult classic’s return but also a testament to the powerful intersection of cinema and fashion. Each of the leading ladies brought their characters to life in a way that transcended the screen, merging the fantastical world of Tim Burton’s imagination with the tangible, glamorous reality of the red carpet.
Their fashion choices went beyond mere homage; they were a continuation of the story—a live-action prologue that set the stage for the film’s screening. Ortega, Ryder, O’Hara, and Bellucci showed how fashion could be used as a narrative tool, providing fans with a deeper understanding of their characters while also creating memorable moments that will be talked about for years to come.
As the world waited with bated breath to see what Tim Burton’s new vision for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice would entail, the Venice red carpet offered a glimpse of the magic, madness, and magnificence that defines the Beetlejuice legacy. With this stylish and spirited premiere, the sequel was already off to an unforgettable start. The stars reminded us that in the world of Beetlejuice, anything is possible—and everything is fabulous.
