Bringing back an old product to capture a new generation—without losing its soul? Look at what Warner Bros. did with Beetlejuice. After 36 years, Beetlejuice is back. But revivals face a unique challenge: How do you keep the nostalgia alive while grabbing a younger audience’s attention? The answer? Brand partnerships. Warner Bros. locked in 35 of them for this one. Brands like Denny’s, Secret, and Fanta didn’t just sponsor —they became part of Beetlejuice’s world. CarMax even launched BeetleMax, complete with spooky salespeople and possessed buyers, blending seamlessly into the film’s quirky vibe. While these partnerships expand the film’s reach and engage new audiences, there’s a risk: Too many brand tie-ins could overshadow the movie itself. Fans are here for the weird, the wacky, and the fun. Overdo it with brands, and the magic could fade. So, what’s needed is balance. Take Jenna Ortega’s wardrobe in Beetlejuice 2 as an example. Her fashion choices were a subtle nod to the original film, catching Gen Z’s eye and nailing media coverage. But not everything hit the mark. Some fans felt that tie-ins like Fanta slapping Ortega’s face on cans came across as clunky overkill. Sure, the designs pop off the shelves, but it’s easy to lose that handcrafted, chaotic charm that made the original movie special. So, what do you think? Can a beloved brand capture a new generation without losing its magic? Let me know your thoughts below.
This content isn’t available here
Access this content and more in the LinkedIn app