The title character of Tim Burton’sBeetlejuice, also known as “Betelgeuse,” has delighted fans through appearances in film, stage, and even an animated series. In the film that marked his first appearance, the ghost with the most was famously played by actor Michael Keaton. In fact, Keaton’s performance is so iconic that Burton allegedly would only agree to the sequel,Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, being made if Keaton was able to reprise the role.
Beetlejuice
That said, it can be surprising to learn that Keaton wasn’t the first actor considered for the part during the production of the original film. After all, Beetlejuice himself went through various changes early in development before becoming a character familiar to audiences. This means a wide variety of actors with all sorts of different ranges and backgrounds were considered for the part. While these actors didn’t get the role in the end, many would go on to play similar characters or work with Burton on other projects.RentBeetlejuiceon AppleTV.
There have been whispers of other actors being considered or auditioning for the role, like Jim Carrey, Robert De Niro, and Tim Curry, but publicly, it hasn’t been confirmed, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. However, here are six actors who almost became the “Ghost with the Most.”
6Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloydis an American actor best known for playing Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in theBack to the Futurefranchise, a character he’s also often reprised in cameo appearances over the years. Before this, he had been known for playing Jim Ignatowski inTaxi.
Christopher Lloyd Turned Down the Role in Early Offers
Lloyd is also known for his roles inOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,Clue, andWho Framed Roger Rabbit. Over the years, Lloyd has also gained notoriety as a voice actor, such as his role inCyberchaseandOver the Garden Wall, as well as animated films likeThe PagemasterandAnastasia.
While Lloyd (along with a plethora of other actors) ultimately turned down the role of Beetlejuice, he has occasionally played a few spooky characters. Notably, he appeared as Uncle Fester inThe Addams FamilyandAddams Family Values.
5Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzeneggeris an Austrian and American former professional bodybuilder, actor, filmmaker, and former politician. At a young age, Schwarzenegger won the title of Mr. Universe and repeatedly won the title of Mr. Olympia, causing him to be one of the most famous bodybuilders of all time.
Schwarzenegger Was Considered WhenBeetlejuiceWas a More Serious Concept
After retiring from bodybuilding, he gained fame as an action star. He is arguably best known for playing the title character inThe Terminatorfranchise, although other films he’s known for includeConan the Barbarian,Predator, andTotal Recall. He is also known for more comedic roles, likeKindergarten CopandJingle All the Way. Outside of show business, Schwarzenegger is also well known for serving as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
It’s believed that Schwarzenegger had been considered forBeetlejuicein early development, when the story would have been less comedic and more of a straight horror series. Funnily enough, a parody of Schwarzenegger, Armhold Musclehugger, also known as Mr. Neitherworld, also appeared in the animatedBeetlejuiceseries.
4Robin Williams
Robin Williamswas an American actor and comedian, who has often been hailed as one of the greatest comedians of all time. Getting his start in stand-up, his breakout role was arguably playing the alien Mork inthe fantastic sitcomMork & Mindy.
Robin Williams Was Near the Top of Tim Burton’s List, but Passed on the Role
However, his most famous role is arguably the voice of the Genie in the Disney animated filmAladdin. Other notable films Williams appeared in includeGood Will Hunting,The Fisher King,Good Morning Vietnam,Hook,Jumanji, andMrs. Doubtfire.
Williams was at the top of Tim Burton’s list to play Beetlejuice, due to his comedic performance inGood Morning, Vietnamthe year before.While Williams ultimately turned down the role, he would arguably play a similar character a few years later as the Genie, being a supernatural being who can shape-shift and warp reality, although Genie is usually far more amicable than Beetlejuice.
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3Sam Kinison
Sam Kinisonwas an American stand-up comedian and actor. Kinison was known for his crass humor, often focusing on relationships and dating. He became more well-known through various television appearances, such asThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonandSaturday Night Live.
Sam Kinison Never Knew Warner Bros. Was Considering Him
Kinison had a few acting roles during his career. He notably played Al Bundy’s guardian angel during a guest appearance onMarried with Children, Hugh in the short-lived sitcomCharlie Hoover, and Professor Terguson inBack to School. He also had some notableappearances in various music videos, such as Bon Jovi’s “Bad Medicine” and Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart.” Kinison also notably recorded a few covers as well, such as his own rendition of “Wild Thing.”
Warner Bros. originally wanted Sam Kinison for the title role inBeetlejuice, but unfortunately,Kinison’s agent never even let the actor knowthat the studio was interested in having him for the part.
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2Dudley Moore
Dudley Moorewas an English actor, comedian, and musician who first came to prominence in the 1960s. Some of his more prominent film roles includeBedazzled,Foul Play,Arthur,Santa Claus: The Movie, andMicki & Maude. Moore earned various accolades in his life, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the title of CBE, or Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, by Queen Elizabeth II.
Dudley Moore Was Part of Warner Bros.' Early Selections
Notably,Bedazzledcast Moore in a contemporary retelling ofFaust, playing a young man who is granted seven wishes by a demon played by Moore’s frequent comedic partner, Peter Cook. While nothing came to fruition from the producers' early intentions to reach out to Moore, had Moore gotten theBeetlejuicerole, it could’ve been a role-reversal compared to the earlier film.
1Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr.is an American singer, dancer, and actor who is arguably best known as a member of the Rat Pack. Davis started his career in show business as a young child, his roles on stage, screen and the music industry would earn him the title of “Mister Show Business.”
The Original #1 Choice, but Studio Executives Shut it Down
Davis is particularly known for his rendition of “The Candy Man,” the opening theme toWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, where it was performed by Aubrey Woods as the character Bill. Reportedly, Sammy Davis Jr. also had shown interest in playing Bill, but was rejected as it was felt he was too big a star. In popular culture, Davis was also famous for making guest appearances on television shows, such asI Dream of JeannieandAll in the Family.
Allegedly,Sammy Davis Jr. was actually Tim Burton’s first choice to play Beetlejuice, as the performer was a childhood favorite of Burton’s. However, it’s believed studio executives rejected the idea.
