After the release of Tim Burton’s iconic and quirky horror-comedy Beetlejuice in 1988, fans were immediately captivated not only by the film’s whimsical narrative but also by the picturesque town of Winter River. This fictional town, brought to life with Burton’s signature style, sparked curiosity about its real-world inspiration. The charming locale that stood in for Winter River was none other than East Corinth, a quaint Vermont town, lending an authentic New England backdrop to the ghostly tale. Decades later, this same idyllic town has reprised its role for the highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, once again welcoming Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder to its familiar streets.
Production designer Mark Scruton, a veteran of Tim Burton projects including the Netflix series Wednesday, shared his experience of revisiting East Corinth for the sequel. “No one knew what it would be like,” Scruton remarked, highlighting the anticipation of returning to a location untouched by time. “No one had been back there since the first film, other than the fans.” His initial visit confirmed the town’s timeless appeal, noting, “But when I flew there, you could tell it was pretty much unchanged. It was the same town it had always been and you could see why they’d gone there in the first place.” This unchanged quality of East Corinth was key to recapturing the original film’s atmosphere.
East Corinth, Vermont: Becoming Winter River
For the production of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Scruton and his team spent a significant 12 weeks in East Corinth. Their mission was to meticulously reconstruct the familiar sets of Winter River. This included the iconic hilltop house, home to the Deetz family, which serves as a central location in the film. The town’s main street also underwent a transformation, reverting back to its cinematic persona as Winter River. East Corinth’s real streets and buildings were carefully adapted to match the specific aesthetic and fantastical elements required for Burton’s vision. The dedication to practical set design in a real location underscores the filmmakers’ commitment to grounding the fantastical story in a tangible world.
Leavesden Studios, London: Crafting the Interior World
While East Corinth provided the exterior setting for Winter River, the intricate interior sets of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice were constructed in a different location altogether. Leavesden Studios in London, a renowned film studio complex, became the hub for creating the interior spaces. This studio setting allowed for controlled environments to build elaborate sets, including the interiors of the Deetz house and potentially aspects of the afterlife realm featured in the film. Scruton revealed that his team constructed an impressive 77 sets in total, emphasizing the scale of the production. The choice of a studio for interior sets allowed for greater flexibility in design and the incorporation of the film’s signature practical effects.
Returning to the Bonkers World of Beetlejuice
The narrative of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice sees the return of familiar characters to Winter River. Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder, along with her stepmother Delia (Catherine O’Hara) and her daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega), find themselves back in the town for a funeral, setting the stage for supernatural events. The presence of Lydia reignites the chaotic energy of Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), plunging the family into another otherworldly adventure. The sequel promises to further explore Tim Burton’s fantastical universe, expanding on the afterlife and the distinctive atmosphere of Winter River, particularly its graveyard.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Scruton captured the essence of the production: “Every day was bonkers,” he stated, emphasizing the whimsical and energetic atmosphere on set. He further highlighted the immersive nature of the practical sets, “And because everything was real, you just roamed around in this bananas world and it just made you smile. Everybody enjoyed the frivolous craziness of the whole thing.” This enthusiasm for the “frivolous craziness” encapsulates the spirit of Beetlejuice and its enduring appeal, brought to life once again in both the familiar and newly imagined locations of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
