Jeremy’s Role in Beetlejuice 2 Suggests Adam & Barbara’s Departure Timeline Through Their Loophole

Beetlejuice 2 offers a deeper look into the destinies of Adam and Barbara Maitland while shedding light on Jeremy’s haunting background. The absence of Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis in the sequel raised questions about how the film would address their characters. The narrative reveals that Adam and Barbara discovered a “loophole”in the afterlife, allowing them to “move on,”which could indicate when the deceased couple truly left Winter River behind.

In a pivotal moment, Lydia discusses this loophole that enables the Maitlands to bypass the established 125-year rule governing Beetlejuice’s realm. Yet, many unanswered questions linger about the specifics of this loophole and the activities of Adam and Barbara during their remaining time in Winter River after their encounters with the Deetz family and Betelgeuse. Interestingly, Jeremy’s arc in Beetlejuice 2 may provide essential clues regarding Adam and Barbara’s timeline.

Lydia’s Ignorance of Jeremy and His Tragic Past

Revelations from Jane Butterfield about the “Murder House”

Arthur Conti as Jeremy looking at Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz in Beetlejuice 2

A significant twist in Beetlejuice 2 reveals Jeremy’s true estate as a spirit. He encounters Astrid on Halloween night, exerting his influence to lead her into the afterlife. Concurrently, Lydia uncovers the dark history of the Frazier family. During a conversation with Jane Butterfield, Lydia casually mentions dropping off Astrid in town. This prompts Jane to inquire if she’s referring to the infamous “murder house,”where it’s revealed that Jeremy killed his parents over 20 years prior and subsequently died from an accident while fleeing from the authorities.

Lydia’s stunned reaction indicates her unawareness of the tragic events, which are evidently common knowledge in Winter River. Jane explains that the Frazier house’s grim history has hindered her from achieving high sales, deterring future buyers. This backstory about Jeremy is cleverly masked during Lydia’s Halloween encounter, considering her unique ability to perceive spirits. Although aware of Lydia’s identity, Jeremy doesn’t seem to have stayed informed about the unfolding events in Winter River.

Possible Timeline: Adam and Barbara’s Departure

A Timeline of Adam and Barbara’s Journey

Beetlejuice 2 unfolds in present day, 36 years after the original film. The storyline indicates that the tragic Frazier family deaths occurred 23 years before the sequel’s events. This sequencing suggests that Lydia has been absent from Winter River for over two decades. Therefore, it is highly plausible that Adam and Barbara “moved on”after discovering their afterlife loophole well before Jeremy committed his crimes. Had the couple still been present, Lydia might have felt inclined to return to the town or frequently visit.

With Adam and Barbara gone, Lydia likely had little reason to go back, especially amidst her concerns about Betelgeuse’s potential return. The revelation of the “murder house”surprises Lydia, reinforcing the idea that she has been out of touch with Winter River’s recent history. While Charles retained ownership of the house, Lydia’s fears regarding Betelgeuse, coupled with the absence of the Maitlands, likely decreased her interest in returning. This leaves a noteworthy 13-year gap between her initial encounter with the Maitlands in 1988 and the Frazier family’s horrific events in 2001 when the loophole was discovered.

Lydia Deetz’s Journey After Leaving Winter River

Life After the Original: Lydia’s Transformation

Lydia next to Ghost House on TV in Beetlejuice 2 — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

A myriad of significant developments occurred between the original Beetlejuice and its sequel, particularly reflected in Lydia’s life. After forming a romantic relationship with Richard, Lydia became a mother to their child, Astrid. Although Lydia and Richard eventually separated, he remained a vital part of Astrid’s upbringing until his tragic passing in the Amazon. Following this, Lydia undertook a retreat to cope with her grief and subsequently met Rory, which redirected her career path. Notably, she transitioned from the introspective character seen in the original film to become a renowned figure, hosting a paranormal talk show titled Ghost House.

By the time of Beetlejuice 2, Lydia had achieved fame and relocated to New York City. Coincidentally, Delia has also returned to the city, operating her art gallery there. This timeline suggests that Lydia headed back to New York after leaving Winter River, eventually starting her own family. A popular theory surrounding Beetlejuice 2 proposes that Adam and Barbara’s decision to move on was significantly influenced by their time with Lydia, fulfilling their afterlife obligations before her departure from Winter River.

Source & Images