Tim Burton seven-word reason why he did not cast Alec Baldwin in Beetlejuice 2 after Rust charges

As Beetlejuice Beetlejuice enjoys huge success at the box office, an actor from the original 1988 film is visibly absent.

Creator Tim Burton has faced backlash after Alec Baldwin was not cast in the remake of the classic movie. Baldwin had a prominent role in the original, starring alongside actress Geena Davis, as a couple who are killed in an accident and are destined to haunt their home forever.

While Geena Davis shared her own theory on why she and Baldwin were not included, saying simply, “ghosts don't age.” However, the controversy continued, as people wondered if Baldwin’s recent manslaughter charges had something to do with Tim Burton’s decision.

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According to the legendary filmmaker, the exclusion of the Maitlands had nothing to do with ghosts not aging, or Baldwin’s involvement in the trial. Instead, he told People that he ‘didn’t want to just tick any boxes’.

Burton said: “So even though they were such an amazing integral part of the first one, I was focusing on something else.”

Fans are divided about the decision to steer away from the couple who were an integral part of the original film. Some are grateful Burton did not alter the plot of the film he wanted to create, to try and link the Maitlands back into the story. Others are not convinced that Baldwin’s strained media presence did not have an impact on the decision. On July 12, all charges against Baldwin were dropped.

Despite only dropping last week, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has already outgrossed the original film’s entire run.

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