Beetlejuice 2 vs. Betelgeuse : The True Name of Michael Keaton’s Poltergeist and Its Meaning 2024

In Beetlejuice 2, the much anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed 1988 film Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton made a comeback as one of his most well-known personas in 2024. Numerous well-known actors, including some of Tim Burton’s regular partners, returned for this follow-up film, which continued the plot several years after the conclusion of the first one. Even more mayhem was wreaked by Keaton’s wild and mischievous poltergeist figure, but this time, we also learned a little bit more about his life, demise, and afterlife. His true name, though, is one thing the film still leaves out.

While the character in the first film is referred to as “Beetlejuice” throughout, fans of the film may recall that his name is also spelled “Betelgeuse.” The 2024 follow-up delves deeper into his past and explains why he is named what he is, without disclosing what his real name was while he was living.

Betelgeuse is Technically the Correct Name for Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice Character

Though the majority of people only know him as “Beetlejuice,” the poltergeist’s true name isn’t that. Adam Maitland, played by Alec Baldwin, built a model town in the first film, and if you look closely, you can see that his tombstone displays his name as “Betelgeuse.” He goes by this real name, which is pronounced similarly to “Beetlejuice.” It’s a smart turn of events; in the film, you have to say his name three times to call him to life.

When Adam Maitland first tries to summon him, he even pronounces the name incorrectly, which prevents it from working because it has to be pronounced correctly. Since “Beetlejuice” is a simpler name for English-speaking viewers to pronounce, it was used more frequently in the film. Given that the spelling “Betelgeuse” varies depending on the language, it’s possible that some individuals were puzzled by it. In order to make things simpler, the name was changed to “Beetlejuice” for a clearer and funnier version.

Betelgeuse is Also a Famous Star in the Night Sky

It’s interesting to note that “Betelgeuse” is not a made-up name for the film. The name of a real star in the sky is actually that. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star, one of the brightest stars in the Orion constellation, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The term “Betelgeuse” originates from an old Arabic expression meaning “the giant’s shoulder,” alluding to the constellation Orion.

Some moviegoers have conjectured that the star’s name might provide character information. Betelgeuse may be a part of a wider supernatural universe, much as the star is a member of a bigger constellation. It’s possible that he is but a tiny fragment of a vast and chaotic world. But this is only a theory, and the sequel doesn’t explore this concept further. It focuses more on his other experiences, such as his marriage to his former wife.

Beetlejuice 2 Doesn’t Reveal His Real Name But Does Explore His Backstory

The segment of Beetlejuice 2 where we discover more about Betelgeuse’s life story is one of the funniest and most thrilling. The sequel reveals that Betelgeuse lived in the 14th century, during the height of the devastating Black Death, a disease that killed millions of people in Europe. It was during this period that he met his wife, working as a tomb robber, taking goods from the dead.

However, they did not have a joyful marriage. She poisoned him on their wedding night in order to kill him and use him for her nefarious scheme. She had merely married him in order to acquire superhuman abilities. Betelgeuse was fortunate in that the poison did not act immediately, allowing him to exact revenge before to his demise. That night, he killed her, but not before chopping her to pieces.

Betelgeuse became a civil servant in the afterlife, laboring in the peculiar realm of the Neitherworld, rather than passing on to the afterlife or returning to Earth as a normal ghost. Later on, he quit to launch his own “bio-exorcism” company, helping the dead exorcise the living.

Even while Beetlejuice 2 provides additional context, it nevertheless withholds his real name from us during his lifetime. If a third film is made, it’s possible that we’ll discover the real name of Michael Keaton’s eccentric and enduring poltergeist. Fans can, however, take pleasure in the mayhem and humor that accompany this legendary figure for the time being.

Conclusion

Technically, Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice persona is actually named Betelgeuse, after a well-known star in the night sky. Fans have been captivated by the character for years due to his name, past, and wild nature. Although Beetlejuice 2 provides additional background information, there is still unanswered questions. Perhaps in the future, we’ll discover even more details about this intriguing poltergeist and the significance of his given name.

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