After three decades, a sequel to the 1988 film Beetlejuice is finally in the works. Some may question the necessity of a follow-up after such a long time, but the decision has been made to bring back Michael Keaton as the iconic character in an effort to appeal to a younger audience through the popular gaming platform Roblox.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts at creating a sequel to Beetlejuice, Warner Bros. has officially announced the production of the much-anticipated follow-up film. Tim Burton is set to direct the movie, with returning cast members like Keaton and Winona Ryder, as well as new faces including Jenny Ortega. It was Ortega who revealed the unexpected news that Beetlejuice would be making an appearance in the virtual world of Roblox.
The Beetlejuice experience on Roblox is now live, allowing players to engage in various mini-games, unlock exclusive in-game content for their characters, and explore a digital landscape inspired by the upcoming film. Fans can even interact with Beetlejuice himself, portrayed as a whimsical and slightly distorted version of the character. Those interested in taking their virtual experience a step further can purchase real movie tickets through Fandango at a simulated box office within Roblox.
The decision to bring Beetlejuice into the world of Roblox serves as a strategic marketing tactic to generate buzz and drive ticket sales for the upcoming movie release. Warner Bros. and Roblox are aiming to engage audiences in innovative ways, with Warner Bros.’ VP of marketing, Cameron Curtis, emphasizing the importance of reaching new consumers through unique collaborations. Similarly, Roblox’s VP of global partnerships, Stephanie Latham, highlights the platform’s exploration of new consumer categories through immersive environments like the Beetlejuice experience.
The highly-anticipated Beetlejuice sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on September 6th, giving fans ample time to immerse themselves in the Roblox experience or simply await the film’s release. While the collaboration between Beetlejuice and Roblox may seem like an unusual pairing, it underscores the entertainment industry’s increasing reliance on digital platforms to engage audiences and drive interest in upcoming projects.
In a world where virtual experiences and real-world interactions are becoming increasingly intertwined, the Beetlejuice-Roblox collaboration represents a unique blend of entertainment and marketing strategies. As technology continues to shape the way we consume media and engage with content, it will be interesting to see how future collaborations between film studios and gaming platforms evolve to capture the attention of audiences across different age groups and interests.