Catherine O’Hara is feeling lucky these days. “First of all, I’m lucky to be alive and lucky to be working… but especially lucky to be working on a Beetlejuice movie again,” she says when asked about her return as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s 1988 horror-comedy classic.

Best known for her roles as Kevin’s mom in the Home Alone movies and her award-winning turn as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek, O’Hara is no stranger to revisiting iconic characters, though not usually in projects separated by over thirty years. “I was worried about who Delia would be now, and I thought, ‘Well, who are you now?’ She’s aged like I’ve aged, so I have my own voice, just a different way of thinking,” she says, reflecting on Delia’s growth. She adds, jokingly, “[Delia’s] not as smart and wonderful and talented as I am. Delia wishes she could be me.”

As Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hits theaters, O’Hara shares her thoughts on the script, returning to Tim Burton’s world, and what it was like to reprise her role in this spooky sequel.

QUESTION: What was your first reaction when you read the script, and how did you prepare for your return?

CATHERINE O’HARA: [I was] scared. [laughs] No, reading the script was exciting! It’s a great story [with] new characters especially Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux. I was going to watch the first movie, and then a friend called and said, “It’s on!” So I turned it on, like I was going to watch it for a minute… and then I just never moved away. It’s so good, fun, dark, and funny. The dialogue [in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice] is so different, and watching the [first] movie really helped.

QUESTION: What’s it like returning to Winter River?

CATHERINE O’HARA: It’s different. Winona [Ryder] and I held on to each other as we walked onto the house set. My husband designed the original, and the production designer [Mark Scruton] was very aware of that. He talked to me about it—he’s been respectful of Bo’s [Welch] work—but he also did amazing things sets on this. The art department did a beautiful job. The blueprint is there, but it’s been seriously renovated. [I got the sense that Delia’s husband] Charles had enjoyed it all these years while Delia probably spent more time in the city and traveling. It’s still weird, but it’s definitely updated. The paint color is beautiful. Delia has had a hand in the décor. It’s prettier, but still not quite comfortable— which it never was.

QUESTION: What was your first day of filming like?

CATHERINE O’HARA: [The first day is] always a little scary before you speak open your mouth for the first time. You imagine what [you want to say,] but you’re not sure [how it will come out.] But [it was] instantly fun. Tim [Burton] is so collaborative; it’s wonderful to work with somebody who makes you feel like you have something good to offer. As soon as he sent the scripts, he wanted [our] notes and ideas, and that’s just lovely to know that you’re part of this great creation.

QUESTION: How would you describe Delia’s relationship with Lydia (Winona Ryder) and Astrid (Jenna Ortega)?

CATHERINE O’HARA: I think [Delia and Lydia] have found a way to get along. There’s a line in the script [that suggests that] Delia’s probably jealous and, like some parents, happy for Lydia’s success at the same time. [As for Astrid,] Delia maybe sees her as a fresh, new Lydia—dry, dark, and looking around like the world isn’t nearly as cool as she is. Delia and Astrid have found fun ways to connect, [particularly over] Lydia’s relationship with Rory. I think they both see the reality of that. Lydia finds [Astrid] entertaining, and it’s entertaining to watch Lydia take the same crap from Astrid that Delia took from Lydia.

QUESTION: Was there much ad-libbing on set?

CATHERINE O’HARA: When you have such a good script, like this one, it just [sparks] ideas. When something’s not well-written, it [shuts off your brain]. But when it’s well-written and there are great ideas there, you want to try things. Michael [Keaton] added great improvisation. When you have a good script, you play with it, and we most certainly did.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened in Philippine theaters on September 4, 2024.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Photo Credits: Parisa Taghizadeh. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. Inc. All rights reserved.