Beetlejuice 2 provides some insight into the fates of Adam and Barbara Maitland, but Jeremy’s dark backstory could hint at when the dead couple officially left Winter River for good. With the confirmation that Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis wouldn’t be returning characters in Beetlejuice 2, one of the big questions leading into Tim Burton’s sequel became how the sequel would explain their absence. The movie eventually explains what happened to Adam and Barbara, explaining that they found a “loophole” that allowed them to “move on” in the afterlife.
Lydia mentions the loophole that explains how the Maitland couple was able to bypass the 125-year rule that exists in Beetlejuice’s afterlife rules. That said, there are still several mysteries surrounding what that loophole was and what they did with their remaining time in the Winter River after encountering the Deetz family and Betelgeuse. Oddly enough, Jeremy’s backstory in Beetlejuice 2 could provide some clues into when Adam and Barbara found their loophole.
Beetlejuice 2 Proves Lydia Didn’t Know About Jeremy & His Family
Jane Butterfield Tells Lydia About The “Murder House” In Beetlejuice 2
One of the biggest twists in Beetlejuice 2 is the truth surrounding Jeremy and the fact that he’s actually dead. Jeremy reveals himself as a spirit to Astrid on Halloween night before manipulating her into going to the afterlife. That same night, Lydia discovers the grim truth regarding the Frazier family. While talking to Jane Butterfield, Lydia mentions that she dropped off Astrid in town before Jane questions whether she means the “murder house.” The realtor then shares that Jeremy killed his parents over 20 years ago and then died after falling from his treehouse when the police caught up to him.
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Lydia’s reaction to hearing about the Frazier family shows she had no idea about the Winter River tragedy, but it’s surely no secret. Jane reveals that the Frazier home has prevented her from a perfect sales record, meaning that potential buyers have avoided the house due to the murders. Jeremy’s Beetlejuice 2 twist is also cleverly hidden when Lydia sees him on Halloween, considering she can see ghosts with her “strange and unusual” gifts. Even though Jeremy is fully aware of who Lydia is, the character hasn’t kept up to date with what’s been happening in Winter River.
Beetlejuice 2 Suggests Adam & Barbara “Moved On” Before Jeremy’s Murders
The Sequel Implies The Maitlands Found Their Loophole Over 20 Years Ago
Based on Beetlejuice 2‘s timeline, the sequel takes place in the present day, which is 36 years after Tim Burton’s original movie. The sequel reveals that the Frazier deaths occurred 23 years before the events of Beetlejuice 2, suggesting that Lydia hasn’t been around the town for over two decades. If that’s the case, it’s very likely Adam and Barbara Maitland “moved on” after finding their afterlife “loophole” before Jeremy killed his parents. Had Adam and Barbara been around, Lydia surely would’ve stayed in Winter River or at least made frequent visits.
…with Adam and Barbara gone, Lydia likely had no urge to return, especially if she was so worried about Betelgeuse’s potential return.
With the “murder house” coming as a complete surprise to Lydia, Beetlejuice 2 implies that she’s been completely out of the loop about anything connected to Winter River. Charles kept the house, but with Adam and Barbara gone, Lydia likely had no urge to return, especially if she was so worried about Betelgeuse’s potential return. That leaves a 13-year time span between Lydia meeting the Maitlands in 1988 and the Frazier deaths in 2001 when the loophole was found.
What Happened To Lydia Deetz After She Left Winter River
Beetlejuice 2 Gives Some Insight Into Lydia’s Life After The Original Movie
There are several notable events that happened between Beetlejuice and Beetlejuice 2, especially when it comes to Lydia’s life. After meeting and falling in love with Richard, the pair went on to have their only child, Astrid. Though Lydia and Richard eventually divorced, he remained an essential aspect of Astrid’s life until his death in the Amazon. Lydia eventually went on a retreat to help with her grief, where she encountered Rory, changing her career trajectory. Despite being more of the loner type in the original movie, Lydia ends up becoming a celebrity and the host of a paranormal talk show called Ghost House.
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Heartwarming Beetlejuice 2 Theory Explains What Adam & Barbara’s “Loophole” Really Is
Beetlejuice 2 references why Adam and Barbara are no longer around, but the “loophole” can be explained with a sweet theory involving Lydia.
Not only did Lydia become famous (with Rory’s help) before the events of Beetlejuice 2, but she also relocated to New York City. Interestingly, Delia is also back in the city, seeing as her art gallery is in NYC. Based on what’s known of Lydia’s life after the original movie, it seems like she returned to New York before starting a family. A Beetlejuice 2 theory suggests why Adam and Barbara moved on, hinting that time spent with Lydia fulfilled their duties in the afterlife. However, at some point between 1988 and 2001, Lydia also decided to move on from Winter River in their absence.
- Release Date
- September 6, 2024
- Runtime
- 104 Minutes
- Cast
- Michael Keaton , Winona Ryder , Catherine O’Hara , Jenna Ortega , Justin Theroux , Willem Dafoe , Monica Bellucci , Arthur Conti , Nick Kellington , Santiago Cabrera , Burn Gorman , Danny DeVito , Sami Slimane , Amy Nuttall , Mark Heenehan , Charlie Hopkinson , Liv Spencer , Skylar Park , Matthew Lyons , Jane Leaney , David Ayres , Sophie Holland , Walles Hamonde
- Writers
- Alfred Gough , Miles Millar , Mike Vukadinovich , Seth Grahame-Smith , Michael McDowell , Larry Wilson
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures