Tim Burton is writing the 'Beetlejuice' sequel

In discussion over the past few years, the follow-up to the macabre 1988 comedy is finally starting to take shape. Director Tim Burton is now working on a script for the sequel, in which Michael Keaton is expected to reprise his role as the wacky ghost.

The arrival of "Beetlejuice 2" is "closer than ever," according to Tim Burton. In an interview promoting his latest film "Big Eyes," the director told Comingsoon.net he was currently writing the screenplay with help from Seth Grahame-Smith. The two previously collaborated to pen "Dark Shadows."

But there is more good news for "Beetlejuice" fans: Michael Keaton will star in this long-awaited sequel. Nearly 25 years after the release of the first movie, the actor will again don the costume of the vulgar and somewhat unreliable spirit, who attempts to help a couple of fellow ghosts to rid their home of its pesky living occupants.

Plans for a second "Beetlejuice" movie were mentioned as early as 1990, but were shelved as Burton was already busy with "Batman Returns." It was only in 2011 that the project was resurrected with Grahame-Smith's help on the script.