Fans of Beetlejuice heading to theaters may wonder why Tim Burton killed off the character of Charles Deetz, the father of Wynona Ryder’s character Lydia’s father, played by Jeffrey Jones. Well, the truth is darker than you would expect. It’s not about the actor’s availability or budget restraints. It’s because Jones’ is a terrible human being with whom no one wanted to be associated.
Jones’ Heinous Crimes
Jeffrey Jones may have played the beloved character in the 1988 original, but he’s a villain in real life. In 2003, the actor found himself in hot water. Jones was charged as a pedophile after soliciting a minor to pose for nude photos and child pornography after getting the 14-year-old boy to take pictures multiple times throughout 2000 and 2001, reportedly. Jones made a deal and pleaded no contest, for which the child pornography charge was dropped. He was sentenced to probation but was required to register as a sex offender. Since his sentencing, he has been arrested twice for failure to update the register. In 2010, he was arrested on felony charges for this reason, reportedly. According to Wikipedia, he got off easy with more probation, ordered therapy, and 250 hours of community service. This is a perfect example of people getting off easy for being famous.
Why Tim Burton wanted to kill off the character should make sense now. While Jones has starred in several great projects, including “Deadwood,” his talent is overshadowed by his crimes.
On A Lighter Note
On a lighter note, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now playing in theaters nationwide. It sees Lydia Deetz reluctantly reunited with the demonic trickster Beetlejuice in this highly anticipated sequel. Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, is kidnapped by unknown otherworldly forces. The Deetz family, grappling with an unexpected tragedy, returns to their ancestral home in Winter River. A place where a mysterious model of the town holds the key to a portal between the living and the dead. With trouble brewing in both worlds, it’s up to Beetlejuice to save the day – or at least cause maximum chaos.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice boasts a star-studded cast of both returning and new characters. Michael Keaton is reprising his iconic role as Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder returns to her role as Lydia. Catherine O’Hara also returns. The original cast is joined by Jenna Ortega (Astrid Deetz), Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Justin Theroux, creating an incredible ensemble cast. Danny Elfman returns to compose the film’s score.
Get your Beetlejuice Beetlejuice tickets now!
