Tim Burton's Beetlejuice was a sizable hit back in the 1980s, and the movie helped put the director on the map. It introduced the world to his unique style and allowed its stars to shine brightly. Despite the sequel project never coming to life, Beetlejuice remains a loved film that maintains a legacy within the business.
Alec Baldwin was one of the stars of the flim, and the project was a launching point for his film career. Baldwin was solid in the movie alongside Geena Davis and Michael Keaton, and Beetlejuice remains one of his best movies. When the film was being made, however, Baldwin wasn't convinced that it was going to be a hit.
Let's hear about Baldwin's initial feelings towards Beetlejuice.
Alec Baldwin Has Had An Impressive Career
Back in the 1980s, Alec Baldwin made his way into Hollywood looking to find mainstream success, and the actor would put in a considerable amount of work on the big and small screen before turning into a household name. Baldwin was able to turn in exceptional performances when given the chance, and as the years rolled by, he cemented himself as a legitimate talent in Hollywood.
On the big screen, Baldwin has made big things happen during his time in Hollywood. Beetlejuice might have been his first major film project, but as the 90s began, Baldwin would move onto other roles. The Hunt for Red October got the decade started off in style, and Baldwin would add more impressive credits over time. This includes projects like The Edge, Notting Hill, Pearl Harbor, The Aviator, and more.
When it comes to his work on television, Baldwin has certainly done well for himself. He has found success on shows like 30 Rock, Knots Landing, Will & Grace, and more. Baldwin has also made waves on Saturday Night Live through the years, delivering a number of memorable performances on the iconic show.
It's amazing to see the diverse set of projects that Baldwin has been in, and to date, Beetlejuice remains one of his most interesting.
He Starred In Beetlejuice Back In 1988
Prior to the 1988 release of Beetlejuice, director Tim Burton had directed Pee-wee's big Adventure, which gave people a small taste of what he could do. Beetlejuice, however, really cranked things up while also showing the world the unique artistic vision that Burton would employ throughout his career. The film was bizarre, but it was simply too good for audiences to ignore.
Beetlejuice is currently sitting with an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating the critics enjoyed what the flick brought to the table. It was well-received by audiences, as well, and as time has gone on, the film and its characters only seem to grow in popularity.
After grossing nearly $85 million at the box office, Beetlejuice was a legitimate success for Burton and for the talented cast that brought the picture to life. For Baldwin, this was a huge win that helped him cement himself as a legitimate screen actor, and suddenly, the movie was a major credit on his resume.
It's easy to look at the success of Beetlejuice and just assume that everyone knew it would be a hit, but this could not be further from the truth. In fact, Alec Baldwin was convinced that the movie would impact his career negatively.
He Thought It Would End His Career
According to Baldwin, "When we did Beetlejuice, I had no idea what it was about. I thought my, all of our, careers are going to end with the release of this film. Maybe we’re all going to be dead.”
Michael Keaton, however, kept Baldwin's spirits up on set.
"Michael came and knew the secret. Because I would act and then I would have some doubts. I was much more neurotic about what I would do, and I was very young starting out in films. And Keaton just came out and he was like the comedy Annie Oakley. He was so self-assured. He just tore it up," said Baldwin.
Fortunately, Baldwin's fears would not be realized, and Beetlejuice wound up being a major success that helped launch his film career. Not only was Beetlejuice the launching point for Baldwin as a major film actor, but to this day, it remains one of the best movies that he has ever done. It just goes to show that projects of all shapes and sizes can find a major audience when made well enough.