After 36 years, Michael Keaton is back as the “Ghost With the Most” in Tim Burton’s new sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Joining Keaton in the sequel in a key role is Monica Bellucci, who plays Delores – Betelgeuse’s ex-wife.

Ahead of the sequel’s release in theaters, Bellucci discussed her role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for a new interview with CBR’s Kevin Polowy. She commented on how the role was far unlike any character she’s ever played at this point in her career, going on to mention how much she loved playing the part. While Delores might be an antagonist, Bellucci appreciates how she’s a “survivor,” even if she’s in the Netherworld.

Delores is a real baddie, and more than most, I think about her as a creature,” Bellucci said. “What I liked about her is this duality, because she’s dangerous, but also funny at the same time. Tim [Burton] came to me and he told me, ‘There was a key role in this film for which I thought about you,’ and I was very happy to accept it and to play it. Because, to me, Delores is a metaphor of life, because we all have emotional scars, and she’s full of scars, but she’s strong. She’s coming back.”

What I liked about her is this duality, because she’s dangerous, but also funny at the same time.

Bellucci added “I didn’t play many characters like that in my career, so, for me, it was a completely new character, and I have to say that I was so… I loved her. I really love her, and I was so helped, because I had three hours of makeup every day, and to go on this amazing set, and to wear those beautiful costumes of Colleen Atwood, and I think that she has a big impact, and she’s a survivor, even though she’s always in the Netherworld. Even though she’s dead, she’s still alive.”

Bellucci also commented on working with Keaton as Betelgeuse. She echoed co-stars Jenna Ortega and Catherine O’Hara in confirming that Keaton was not a method actor at all, as he was never in character when the cameras weren’t rolling. Even os, Bellucci was impressed by how Keaton was able to jump right back into Beetlejuice mode after three and a half decades without missing a beat.

“He’s an actor, but he’s also a human being, but I was shocked at how he could go back to this character. It was incredible,” she said.

Tim Burton Is Back in the Director’s Chair for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Tim Burton directed the sequel after helming the original Beetlejujice. The film also stars Winona Ryder, Justin Theroux, and Willem Dafoe. Alfred Gough and Miles Millar wrote the screenplay.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be released in theaters on Sept. 6, 2024.