Tim Burton addresses Beetlejuice 3 reports

Tim Burton has insisted "nobody told him" about plans for Beetlejuice 3.

The 66-year-old filmmaker - who directed the original 1988 comedy horror classic and its 2024 sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - has played down speculation that a third movie is definitely on the cards.

Earlier this year, Warner Bros Pictures co-chairman/CEO Mike De Luca insisted development on Beetlejuice 3 was "imminent".

Upon hearing this, Burton told The Hollywood Reporter: "Really? Nobody told me. Maybe I’ve been replaced."

Jenna Ortega, who appeared in the second film last year, quipped: "Maybe I’ve been, too. Maybe [her character] Astrid dies and goes to heaven instead [of the films’ Netherworld].

"They should just take Baby Beetlejuice on tour and send him to Hawaii."

Burton pointed out that there was well over three decades between the first two films in the franchise - which stars Michael Keaton as the wisecracking ghoul - and joked "the odds are not good" for a follow-up any time soon.

He said: "It took 35 years to make the second one, so by that time I’ll be 105. I know those odds are not good.

"I really, really enjoyed making this one, and [Warner Bros.] didn’t even really want to do it.

"We did it the same way I did the first one, with the actors doing improv. It was beautiful to see some of the old cast and have Jenna.

"But it’s like trying to re-create the Wednesday dance scene. I love the characters, but I don’t necessarily see it."

Burton also seemed to shrug off the idea of another director taking over the project, insisting he does feel an ownership over his projects.

He added: "I feel very proprietary about everything I do, even if I don’t own the characters.

"When they did the [Beetlejuice Broadway musical], I got p*****."

Meanwhile, Ortega noted she would "never" want to return to the Beetlejuice world without Burton steering the ship.

She said: "Oh, I would never. I also think anybody would be really wrong to get behind that project.

"Without him involved, what is it? It is what it is because of Tim.

"There’s no other film you can compare Beetlejuice to. So why would you do that? That would be a tad disrespectful."

Back in April, Warner Bros executive De Luca claimed plans were moving along for sequels for both Minecraft and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

He told Deadline: "Imminently. The ink might not be dry on the deals yet, but imminently."

De Luca insisted the studio was looking to capitalise on both film's success.

He explained: "To have two franchises emerge from our leadership team with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Minecraft, I feel like we’re ahead of schedule.

"Now we’re trying to step on the gas, to double, to quadruple that kind of success."