Beetlejuice: A Sequel That Breaks the Mold (And Why It Matters to More Than Just Movies)

Growing up, Beetlejuice was more than just a movie for me—it was a shared experience with my sister, full of inside jokes and favorite lines. We watched it countless times, and it became a part of our personal lexicon. So when I heard about Beetlejuice 2, I had mixed emotions. Sequels, especially these days, often fall into the trap of being lazy repeats, a formula that worked once, so why not just do the same thing again?

I mean, look at films like Home Alone. The second movie was just a replay of the first with a different setting, and though it still had its moments, it didn’t really offer anything new. It’s like eating the same dish again but on a different plate. Sequels should build on the original, not just recycle it. So, I was nervous about Beetlejuice 2. Would it honor the original without becoming a carbon copy?

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about.

Why Beetlejuice 2 Delivered

The first thing that struck me about Beetlejuice 2 was how fresh it felt, despite being a sequel. Instead of just rehashing the first film, they took the opportunity to dive deeper into the characters and expand the universe. We didn’t just get more of the same quirky Beetlejuice antics. We got a richer story, more complex characters, and multiple subplots that made it feel like you were watching four different movies in one.

We learned more about Beetlejuice’s past, got to see the life of Lydia’s daughter Astrid, followed the new dynamics between Lydia and her partner Rory, and even got to explore Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, Delores. It wasn’t just a “what happens next” story—it was a “let’s dive deeper” story, where each character had their own journey.

It’s like in business when you revamp an offer. You don’t just throw a new label on the same old product. You give people more. More value, more insight, more depth. And that’s what Beetlejuice 2 did. It gave us more.

The “Copy-Paste” Problem: A Lesson from Movies to Business

This whole experience made me think about something that happened a few months ago when I was looking for a course on sponsorship. I found this guy online who had great content, and I started following all his free stuff on YouTube. I thought, “Okay, this guy knows his stuff. I’ll buy his course.” So, I shelled out $2,000, expecting to dive deeper into the topic. But when I got into the course? It was just his free content, repurposed and packaged as a paid product. I asked for a refund immediately.

What I expected was something like Beetlejuice 2—more layers, more substance, something that took the original concepts further. Instead, I got a replay of what I already had access to.

This is something we see not just in movies but in all kinds of industries—people trying to sell you the same thing with a new wrapper. Whether it’s a course, a product, or a service, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if the original worked, why not just offer it again? But that’s a surefire way to lose trust and, frankly, customers.

Upping the Game: What Beetlejuice Teaches Us About Innovation

The success of Beetlejuice 2 comes down to its willingness to evolve. They could have played it safe, kept the original formula, and called it a day. But they didn’t. They took risks. They gave us new characters, new subplots, and deeper insight into the original cast. It was like they knew they had to give the audience something extra—a reason to invest in the sequel beyond just nostalgia.

In business, it’s the same thing. When you launch a new product, course, or service, you can’t just rely on what worked before. You have to innovate, add value, and show your audience why this new version is worth their time and money.

A good sequel, like a good offer, isn’t just about repeating past success. It’s about building on it, adding layers, and keeping your audience engaged in ways they didn’t expect. You’ve got to surprise people, give them more than they thought they were getting. That’s how you create loyalty and long-term success.

Looking Forward: The Future of Beetlejuice (And Your Own Projects)

As I reflect on how much I enjoyed Beetlejuice 2, I can’t help but hope they’ll keep pushing boundaries with any future installments. And honestly, that’s what we should all be doing, whether we’re in the film industry or any other business. Don’t just give people a sequel—give them an evolution. Give them something they didn’t even know they wanted.

Whether we’re talking about movies or business offers, the lesson here is simple: Don’t just copy and paste what worked before. Build on it. Add depth. Go deeper. That’s what will keep people coming back for more.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll get a Beetlejuice 3 that takes it even further. I’m ready for it.