Jenna Ortega Says Michael Keaton Jump Scared Her Dressed as Beetlejuice: 'He Had Molds Peeling Off His Face'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jenna Ortega; Michael Keaton in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’.Photo:Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; warner bros pictures

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty; warner bros pictures

Jenna Ortegagot the fright of her life thanks to herBeetlejuice BeetlejuicecostarMichael Keaton!During an appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonon Wednesday, Aug. 21, the actress, 21, revealed that Keaton, 72, jump scared her while dressed as his iconic character on the set of the 1988’s movie’s highly anticipated sequel.“What is it like when Michael Keaton comes on set as Beetlejuice?” asked hostJimmy Fallon. “Does everyone get quiet or do people cry? I would cry.”“He came up behind me,” explained Ortega. “I was getting a hair and makeup test, and I got a tap on the shoulder and I turned around and it was a jump scare for sure. He was like, ‘Oh hey I’m Michael,’ and he had molds peeling off his face.”“I played it cool and then it was cool until I met him for a second time out of hair and makeup because I introduced myself again because I forgot that I had already met him,” she added with a laugh.“Yeah, you didn’t meet Michael Keaton, you met Beetlejuice,” added Fallon, 49.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!TheWednesdaystar went on to describe Keaton as “the coolest” and admitted she was scared about working alongside the Oscar nominee and costarsWinona RyderandCatherine O’Hara, who also starred in the original movie as Lydia and Delia Deetz.“Never in my wildest dreams. I just never could have anticipated something like that happening.” revealed Ortega, who plays Lydia’s teen daughter Astrid Deetz inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. “Lydia is the coolest character on the planet. Just everything about it, I was terrified.”Michael Keaton.Matt Winkelmeyer/GettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Earlier this month, Ortegahonored Lydia’s styleas she stepped out in New York City in a custom Thom Browne fit that channeled the OG film’s unforgettable final scene.Ortega fitting wore the ensemble — which consisted of a navy cardigan featuring Lydia’s school’s emblem, a plaid skirt and two-tone Mary Janes — for press rounds for her latest movie.Beetlejuice Beetlejuicehits theaters Sept. 6 afteropening the Venice Film Festivalon Aug. 28.

Jenna Ortegagot the fright of her life thanks to herBeetlejuice BeetlejuicecostarMichael Keaton!

During an appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonon Wednesday, Aug. 21, the actress, 21, revealed that Keaton, 72, jump scared her while dressed as his iconic character on the set of the 1988’s movie’s highly anticipated sequel.

“What is it like when Michael Keaton comes on set as Beetlejuice?” asked hostJimmy Fallon. “Does everyone get quiet or do people cry? I would cry.”

“He came up behind me,” explained Ortega. “I was getting a hair and makeup test, and I got a tap on the shoulder and I turned around and it was a jump scare for sure. He was like, ‘Oh hey I’m Michael,’ and he had molds peeling off his face.”

“I played it cool and then it was cool until I met him for a second time out of hair and makeup because I introduced myself again because I forgot that I had already met him,” she added with a laugh.

“Yeah, you didn’t meet Michael Keaton, you met Beetlejuice,” added Fallon, 49.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

TheWednesdaystar went on to describe Keaton as “the coolest” and admitted she was scared about working alongside the Oscar nominee and costarsWinona RyderandCatherine O’Hara, who also starred in the original movie as Lydia and Delia Deetz.

“Never in my wildest dreams. I just never could have anticipated something like that happening.” revealed Ortega, who plays Lydia’s teen daughter Astrid Deetz inBeetlejuice Beetlejuice. “Lydia is the coolest character on the planet. Just everything about it, I was terrified.”

Michael Keaton.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Earlier this month, Ortegahonored Lydia’s styleas she stepped out in New York City in a custom Thom Browne fit that channeled the OG film’s unforgettable final scene.

Ortega fitting wore the ensemble — which consisted of a navy cardigan featuring Lydia’s school’s emblem, a plaid skirt and two-tone Mary Janes — for press rounds for her latest movie.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuicehits theaters Sept. 6 afteropening the Venice Film Festivalon Aug. 28.

source: people.com