The World of Beetlejuice Costumes: Meet the Eccentric Cast of Characters

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by Canny Costumes

The quirky, spooky, and delightfully strange world of Beetlejuice isn’t just about the mischievous ghost himself. The film is packed with memorable characters, each bringing their own unique charm (or creepiness) to the story. Let’s dive into some of the key players that make Beetlejuice’s world so wonderfully weird!

Costume Table: Quick Look at Beetlejuice Characters

Lydia Deetz: The Ultimate Goth Queen

Lydia Deetz is the dark, poetic soul we all secretly wish we could be. With her all-black wardrobe, serious bangs, and fascination with the paranormal, she’s not your typical teenager. Played by Winona Ryder, Lydia is the perfect foil to the chaotic Beetlejuice, bringing a dose of melancholy and sincerity to the madness.

Transform into the ultimate goth queen, Lydia Deetz, with her signature dark and mysterious style. All you need is a black Victorian-inspired dress, a pair of combat boots, and a little attitude. Add a wide-brimmed black hat or opt for her iconic red wedding dress for a dramatic flair. Don’t forget the finishing touches—pale makeup, dark eyeliner, and a moody expression that says, “I myself am strange and unusual.”

• Personality: Lydia is thoughtful, artistic, and sees beauty where others see gloom. She’s obsessed with death and the afterlife, making her the perfect person to communicate with ghosts.
• Iconic Look: Her black Victorian-inspired outfits and red wedding dress are unforgettable. Lydia is the queen of goth fashion, and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks!

Adam and Barbara Maitland: The Friendly Ghosts Next Door

Adam and Barbara Maitland are the lovable, newly-dead couple at the heart of the story. They’re stuck haunting their own home after a tragic accident, and they’re not exactly thrilled when the Deetz family moves in and turns their quaint little house into a modern monstrosity.

Want a couple’s costume with heart (or lack thereof)? The Maitlands are your go-to! To be Adam, throw on a plaid shirt, suspenders, and round glasses, while Barbara rocks a cozy sweater and a simple skirt. But to really capture their ghostly side, you’ll need their post-death looks—grab a DIY latex mask or paper mâché to recreate their stretched-out ghost faces. Bonus points for a spooky, dusty appearance to complete their “we just crossed over” vibe.

• Personality: Adam is the gentle, nerdy husband, while Barbara is the sweet, nurturing wife. Together, they’re the kind of couple who just wants to live (or haunt) in peace.
• Struggles: Being new to the ghost world, they’re not great at scaring people, which is where Beetlejuice comes in… for better or worse.

Delia Deetz: The Artsy, Eccentric Stepmother

Delia Deetz, Lydia’s stepmother, is a character full of energy, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a touch of madness. She’s a modern artist with a flair for the dramatic, and her over-the-top personality clashes with the haunted serenity of the Maitland’s home.

Delia’s costume is all about creativity! Wear an oversized, avant-garde outfit—think bold patterns, clashing colors, and outrageous accessories. Sculpt a few abstract props to carry around (her creepy sculptures are iconic), and add a wild hairdo to match. Top it off with eccentric makeup, including bold eyeshadow and lip color, for a look that screams “modern artist.”

• Personality: Delia is the definition of eccentric. She’s always chasing her next big artistic vision, even if it means covering the house in bizarre sculptures.
• Fashion: With bold, avant-garde outfits and an attitude to match, Delia’s wardrobe is just as wild as her personality.

Charles Deetz: The Overwhelmed Dad

Charles Deetz is Lydia’s father and Delia’s husband, a man who just wants some peace and quiet. He moves the family to the countryside in hopes of relaxing, but he quickly finds himself wrapped up in his wife’s artistic endeavors and the ghostly shenanigans of the house.

Charles’ look is casual and relaxed (until the ghosts arrive!). A comfy sweater vest, slacks, and a slightly frazzled expression are all you need. If you want to make it funnier, carry a briefcase or a fake newspaper—because nothing says “overwhelmed dad” like trying to enjoy some peace while your house is haunted.

• Personality: Charles is the typical “dad” character—well-meaning but often clueless. He’s stressed out but tries to keep things together, despite the chaos surrounding him.

Juno: The No-Nonsense Caseworker

Juno is the afterlife’s version of a tough-love therapist. As Adam and Barbara’s caseworker, she’s in charge of helping them navigate their new ghostly existence. But don’t expect hand-holding—Juno’s no-nonsense attitude means she expects the Maitlands to figure things out, and fast.

Juno’s costume is all about channeling that no-nonsense vibe. Wear a pencil skirt, blazer, and stockings to recreate her strict, professional look. Don’t forget to add her iconic cigarette hanging from her mouth! For extra detail, a little face makeup to create that throat wound gives you the full Juno effect—she’s been through a lot, after all.

• Personality: Stern, sarcastic, and always puffing on a cigarette, Juno is like your high school guidance counselor… if she worked in the afterlife.
• Role: She’s there to help the Maitlands learn how to haunt effectively, even if her methods are more “tough love” than friendly advice.

Otho: The Unforgettable Psychic

Otho is Delia’s interior decorator and a self-proclaimed “psychic.” With his flamboyant personality and larger-than-life presence, Otho adds a touch of humor and absurdity to the film. He’s the kind of guy who believes he knows everything about the supernatural, even if he’s often hilariously wrong.

Otho’s wardrobe is as flamboyant as his personality. Think flowy robes or caftans in rich, deep colors like purple and red. Add a few statement pieces like chunky jewelry or a cane for added flair. You can even carry a book on the paranormal to pretend you’re the expert at the party (even if you’re a little off).

• Personality: Otho is witty, confident, and always ready to offer his (often questionable) paranormal expertise.
• Famous Scene: Who could forget the dinner party scene where Otho accidentally summons the Maitlands? His antics are both cringey and hilarious.

The Deceased Civil Servants: A Haunted Workplace

Throughout Beetlejuice, we’re introduced to an array of deceased civil servants who work in the afterlife’s bureaucracy. These characters are both eerie and comical, each reflecting how they died in a darkly humorous way.

• Notable Characters: There’s the guy flattened by a truck (now 2D), the woman sawed in half, and the receptionist who committed suicide, all working in what appears to be a DMV-style afterlife office.
• Tone: This cast of quirky, deceased characters adds a layer of surreal comedy to the film, reminding us that even in death, paperwork never ends.

The Sandworms: Giant, Terrifying Creatures

No Beetlejuice list would be complete without mentioning the infamous Sandworms. These terrifying creatures live in the desert of Saturn and appear throughout the movie as a constant threat to the Maitlands and Beetlejuice himself.

Want to get creative? The Sandworm is a bold, eye-catching costume for the brave! Use cardboard, fabric, or even foam to craft a serpent-like suit. Paint it in bold stripes of black and white, add some sharp teeth, and don’t forget the eerie red eyes. This costume will have people stepping back… but in awe of your DIY skills!

• Personality: Though they don’t have personalities per se, their aggressive, snake-like behavior is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.
• Appearance: Long, serpentine bodies with sharp teeth, they’re a visual reminder that the afterlife is far from cozy.

Whether it’s Lydia’s dark charm, the Maitlands’ ghostly kindness, or Beetlejuice’s chaotic energy, the characters in Beetlejuice are what make this film so beloved. Each one brings their own quirky style to the table, creating a world where the living and the dead collide in the most hilarious and bizarre ways possible!