Warning: Spoilers ahead for Beetlejuice 2!Beetlejuice 2 reveals that Lydia Deetz went on to become a host of a paranormal talk show titled Ghost House, but a subtle detail may explain the effects of her show on the afterlife. The movie begins with a look into Lydia's show, which is filmed in front of a live audience and is produced by Lydia's boyfriend, Rory, a new character introduced in Beetlejuice 2. Not only does she interview those who have come in contact with the dead, but Lydia also performs investigations at the sites of the hauntings using her "strange and unusual" gifts.
By Beetlejuice 2's ending, it's clear that Rory has been the one steering Lydia's career by exploiting her supernatural gifts for fame and money-making opportunities. The fact that someone like Lydia would go on to be a talk show how is a surprise in itself, but Rory's influence on her career explains why she pursued the career path. Beetlejuice 2 explains what happened to Lydia's ex-husband and shows how the grief put a strain on Lydia's relationship with their daughter, Astrid. Lydia likely never set out to be famous, but it probably became a good distraction, even if it negatively impacted her bond with Astrid and her connection to the afterlife.
A Newspaper In Beetlejuice 2 Might Explain How Lydia's Career Impacts Ghosts
Does Lydia's Show "Taunt" Spirits?
The afterlife may have been a significant aspect in the original Beetlejuice, but Burton greatly expands the realm in the sequel. In addition to showing more locations within the afterlife during Beetlejuice 2, the movie provides insight into how the realm operates. When Betelgeuse is "working" in his boiler room/office, he can be seen reading a newspaper around the 38-minute mark of the movie as Bob walks up dressed as the Betelgeuse decoy. The newspaper Betelgeuse is reading contains several notable headlines, including "Wraith Taunted by TV Crew," which is likely a nod to Ghost House bothering spirits due to the show's format.
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As seen in the Ghost House tease at the beginning of Beetlejuice 2, Lydia's investigation can result in upsetting the dead. She may claim to the audience that she tries to communicate to get answers for those being affected by haunting, but the format of Lydia's supernatural show also seems to be a way to rile up spirits as a thrilling form of entertainment. Therefore, the wraith, and likely many other ghosts, have become the focus of "taunting" from Lydia and the filming crew of her TV show since Ghost House began.
Why Lydia's Ghost House Show Never Fully Made Sense In Beetlejuice 2
Ghost House Clearly Wasn't Lydia's True Career Goal
When Lydia was introduced as a character in 1988's Beetlejuice, she was a reserved but empathetic teen interested in photography. After meeting Adam and Barbara Maitland, Lydia became enthralled by the existence of ghosts, but she was very reluctant to exploit them. Therefore, it's shocking to find out that she does just that as a career decades after Beetlejuice's ending. Rather than use her gifts to communicate with the dead in positive ways, Lydia uses her abilities and elements of the afterlife as a form of entertainment without considering how it might affect the spirits not wanting to be seen.
At one point in Beetlejuice 2 , Astrid calls Lydia a " sellout ," and it's not until the character ditches Rory that she realizes Ghost House isn't her true calling.
As Lydia knows full well from getting to know the Maitlands, dead people might not fully understand their "recently deceased" status, especially when their lives suddenly become restricted and their homes get occupied by strangers. At one point in Beetlejuice 2, Astrid calls Lydia a "sellout," and it's not until the character ditches Rory that she realizes Ghost House isn't her true calling. Then again, seeing as Astrid seemingly shares the same powers, Lydia now has more time to embrace being "strange and unusual" alongside her daughter.
Release Date September 6, 2024
Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures
Writers Alfred Gough , Miles Millar , Mike Vukadinovich , Seth Grahame-Smith , Michael McDowell , Larry Wilson
Runtime 104 Minutes
English (US) ·