Beetlejuice’s Deetz Family Tree: A Complete Guide

The Deetz family from Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice have undoubtedly become one of the most memorable fictional families in pop culture. Yet, despite their iconic status, much about their past remains a mystery. Who exactly are these characters and why did they end up in Winter River?

 

In this article, we’re answering these questions and more – we’ll be diving deep into the Beetlejuice family tree and exploring what it is that makes them so compelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, join us as we explore the past, present, and future of the Deetz family – and give you some tips on how to immortalize your own family as well.

Background of the Deetz Family

Although the Beetlejuice Deetz family is one of the most iconic fictional families of the 80’s, not much is really known about their past. Viewers barely get any backstory on those colorful characters, and we can only imagine all the twists and turns that led up to the events of the film.

 

What we do know is that Charles Deetz, the patriarch of the family, was originally a businessman from New York City, who became overwhelmed by urban life and decided to move his family to the small town of Winter River, Connecticut. His wife Delia, even before marrying Charles, was already an established figure in the New York art scene, known for her outlandish sculptures. 

 

Even more mysterious is Lydia Deetz, the daughter of Charles and his unnamed first wife. Lydia’s mother still remains an elusive figure, as the original Beetlejuice never reveals what happened to her, whether she passed away or simply left the family.

Creating Deetz Family Tree

 

Did you know you could recreate the famous Deetz family Beetlejuice tree? With Treemily, it’s very simple! 

 

All you need is to create a free account, choose your preferred family tree layout, and put in some basic information about the characters. 

 

Don’t be put off by the amount of effort it may take to have all of them listed – it is really quick and simple! And don’t forget to add pictures of each of the family members as well as some facts about them!

 

Once you’re done, you can export it to a stunningly looking PDF or even have it printed on paper of the size of your choosing.

 

Excited to embark on your first genealogical adventure? Feel free to find out more useful guidance in our “how to make a family tree” manual!

The Deetz Family: Core Members

Charles Deetz

 

Charles Deetz is the patriarch of the Deetz family, portrayed by Jeffrey Jones in the original Beetlejuice. The film never delves into Charles’ origins, his parents, or whether he has siblings. What we do know is that Charles has a single daughter, Lydia, from his first marriage, and later marries Delia.

 

In the 1988 film, Charles is depicted as a somewhat reserved, city-weary man who relocates his family to the rural town of Winter River in search of peace – a move that sets the stage for the supernatural events that follow right thereafter. He seems to have a decent relationship with Lydia, while his bond with his second wife, Delia, is quite complex, jumping between genuine affection and frustration.

 

In Beetlejuice 2, however, Charles is not going to be present – the first teaser trailer revealed that Charles has passed away. 

Delia Deetz

 

Delia Deetz, played by Catherine O’Hara, is Charles’ second wife and Lydia’s stepmother. Her character in the film is mostly remembered for her pursuit of artistic recognition in Winter River as well as her funny interactions with the supernatural – which were both hilarious.

 

And while she and Lydia don’t start off with the closest of relationships, things may have changed by the time of the events in Beetlejuice 2. 

Lydia Deetz

 

The most iconic figure in the Beetlejuice family lore is undoubtedly Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder. Lydia is shown as a typical goth teenager of the late 1980s, with her dark, introverted nature setting her apart from the other characters. She is central to the original Beetlejuice plot – Lydia’s relationship with the ghosts, Adam and Barbara Maitland, evolves from fear to friendship, and she ultimately becomes their surrogate daughter by the film’s end.

 

In Beetlejuice 2, Lydia returns as a mother herself – the once outcast teenager is now an adult, dealing with the responsibilities that come with being a good parent to Astrid.

Astrid Deetz

 

Astrid Deetz is Lydia’s teenage daughter, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. Astrid’s role in Beetlejuice 2 appears to mirror the dynamics of the original film, with her relationship to Lydia being similar to Lydia’s with her own parents. However, unlike Lydia’s struggle to connect with her living family, Astrid may struggle with a completely different issue – the absence of her father. The sequel suggests that Lydia is not married to Astrid’s father, and his identity is unknown.

Lydia’s Unseen Mother

One of the most mysterious figures in the family is Lydia’s mother, Charles’ first wife, who is unnamed and unseen throughout the original Beetlejuice.

 

We don’t know if Beetlejuice 2 would have her play a crucial role, but given the sequel’s focus on family and generational themes, this might still happen

Extended Deetz Family and Relationships

Otho: The Paranormal Expert and Family Friend

 

Otho Fenlock, played by Glenn Shadix, is a character that, while not a blood relative, is still very important in the Deetz family’s story. Introduced as Delia Deetz’s interior decorator, he later became known more as a fan of the occult, possessing a seemingly vast understanding of the afterlife. In the film, Otho’s meddling with forces beyond his control turned out a disaster – his attempt to summon the spirits of Adam and Barbara Maitland unintentionally caused Beetlejuice’s eventual rampage 

 

Otho is shown to be a close friend of Delia, sharing her love for the avant-garde. At the same time, his relationship with Lydia is a bit more complex – while he is not as dismissive of Lydia as Delia is, he also doesn’t make much effort to connect with her. 

 

Otho will not appear in Beetlejuice 2, however, a new character, Rory (played by Justin Theroux) may take over his role in the sequel. 

Minor Characters Connected to the Deetz Family

 

Some of the most significant other minor characters are Barbara and Adam Maitland. The Maitlands, portrayed by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, are the original owners of the Deetzes’ haunted house who eventually become parental figures to Lydia. Throughout the original film, they transition from being terrified by the Deetzes’ intrusion into their home to becoming protective spirits for Lydia.

Cultural Impact and Legacy of the Deetz Family

There is hardly any doubt that the Deetz family have contributed a lot to pop culture, with Lydia being arguably the cult fan favorite. Her dark, gothic attire and pessimistic outlook on life quickly made her an icon for those who felt like outsiders. One could argue that she also helped shape the aesthetic and attitude of the 1990s goth movement with her all-black wardrobe.

 

Catherine O’Hara’s portrayal of Delia Deetz also brought bits of social commentary and satire to the film, making Delia a caricature of the pretentious, self-absorbed artist. Her obsession with her avant-garde sculptures can be seen as a critique of the art world and the pursuit of trends over genuine creativity. 

 

As we look forward to Beetlejuice 2, it’s clear that the Deetz family will continue to make us laugh and think about art, identity, and what it means to be part of a family – whether that family is living, dead, or somewhere in between.

Conclusion

The Deetz family from Beetlejuice remains one of cinema’s most intriguing families. Their story is more than meets the eye as, behind their facade, there is a family that is struggling to connect with each other. And as we look forward to Beetlejuice 2, it may be time for you to also ponder about your family legacy. 

 

Would you like to see your legacy preserved and passed from generation to generation? Treemily can help you! 

 

You can create amazing family charts in our family tree builder in just a couple of steps! 

 

Create a free account, choose your preferred tree layout, and put in the information about your family. Once you’re done, you can export it to a stunningly looking PDF or have it printed on paper of the size of your choosing. Let’s go!

FAQs

Who Are the Main Members of the Deetz Family in Beetlejuice?

The main members of the Deetz family in Beetlejuice are Charles Deetz, his second wife Delia, and his daughter Lydia from a previous marriage. In the upcoming Beetlejuice 2, Lydia is a mother to a teenage daughter named Astrid.

Why Isn’t Johnny Depp in Beetlejuice 2?

From what we know, the decision not to have Johnny Depp as part of the cast for Beetlejuice 2. seems to be based on creative choices rather than any behind-the-scenes drama.

Is There a New Beetlejuice 2 Coming Out?

Yes, Beetlejuice 2 will see a US release on September 6th, 2024. 

Are There Any Sequels or Spin-Offs Featuring the Deetz Family?

Apart from the upcoming Beetlejuice 2, there are no direct sequels or spin-offs featuring the Deetz family. However, the Deetzes have appeared in other media related to the Beetlejuice franchise, including the animated series that ran from 1989 to 1991.

 

 

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