Robbery! Robbery! Robbery! Two props from the set of “Beetlejuice 2” in East Corinth, Vermont, have been stolen, according to the state police department. The department announced the theft on Friday and is currently investigating the crime.
The stolen props include a 150-pound sculpture and a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration. The police department shared two photos of the unique gray statue, which may look familiar to fans of the original “Beetlejuice” film. The sculpture is one of Delia Deetz’s creations, played by Catherine O’Hara, that she was trapped in twice during the course of the movie. The first time is when movers try to bring it into the house, and the second is when Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice brings it to life.
The Vermont State Police tweeted, “We tried saying the name of this stolen statue three times, but it didn’t come back! We’re investigating the theft of this 150-pound sculpture from the ‘Beetlejuice 2’ set in E. Corinth, along with a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration. Call 802-748-3111 with any info.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a film set has been targeted by thieves. In February 2022, thieves stole $500,000 worth of props and equipment from Netflix’s “Lupin” and “The Crown” sets in Paris and Northern England, respectively. Over 350 items were reportedly taken from several production vehicles on the monarchy drama, while the series “Lupin” had $330,000 worth of equipment stolen.
Despite the setback, the production of “Beetlejuice 2” is still underway. The sequel to the 1980s cult classic began production in May and reunites director Tim Burton with original stars Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Winona Ryder. Jenna Ortega, who stars in Burton’s “Wednesday” series, will also join the cast, along with newcomers Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe.
Fans of the original film will be pleased to hear that Keaton previously teased “Beetlejuice 2,” sharing that they are approaching it the same way they did the first one. He mentioned a scene with a woman in the afterlife waiting room, tugging on the tail of a cat to make it move. Keaton expressed his excitement for the project and his desire for people to know about it.
Warner Bros. is set to release “Beetlejuice 2” on September 6, 2024. However, with the ongoing writers and actors strikes, there is a possibility that the release date may be pushed back.
The theft of the props is certainly a setback for the production, but with the investigation underway, there is hope that the stolen items will be recovered. The unique gray sculpture, in particular, holds sentimental value for fans of the original film. It represents an iconic moment in the story and is a beloved symbol of the “Beetlejuice” franchise.
The police department is urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward and contact them at 802-748-3111. It is a plea to the community to help in recovering the stolen props and preventing future incidents like this from happening on film sets.
The theft of props and equipment from film sets is not only a financial loss but also a disruption to the creative process. It is disheartening for filmmakers and fans alike, as these items are an important part of the storytelling and visual experience. As the film industry continues to flourish, it is crucial for security measures to be put in place to protect these valuable assets.
In conclusion, the theft of props from the “Beetlejuice 2” set in Vermont is currently under investigation by the state police department. The stolen items include a 150-pound sculpture and a lamppost topped with a pumpkin decoration. This incident is a reminder of the vulnerability of film sets to theft and the importance of security measures. Despite this setback, the production of “Beetlejuice 2” continues, and fans can look forward to the release of the film in 2024.