'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

'Beetlejuice 2' actress Jenna Ortega echoes Winona Ryder's sentiments, expressing how movies hold the power to inspire hope and profoundly influence individuals' lives.

Stepping into the hallowed halls of Tim Burton's cinematic universe, 'Beetlejuice 2' star Jenna Ortega finds herself in the company of a legend. Winona Ryder, who reprises her iconic role as Lydia Deetz from the original 1988 classic, has previously shared her belief that movies can be a "religious experience." Ortega, the heart of the highly anticipated sequel, wholeheartedly agrees.

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

"I think I agree... a big thing about religion is... it's good to believe in something... Something religion can bring to people is hope, and that's what film does as well," Ortega expressed during a press interview with Fox News Digital for 'Beetlejuice 2.'

Films, like religion, offer solace and a means of escape from life's challenges. They allow viewers to lose themselves in the narratives, forget their worries, and find inspiration in the characters' experiences.

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

"It can be a form of escapism; you can forget your worries and problems. Or you can watch something and take whatever it is that the character's learned and apply it into your own life," Ortega elaborated.

Beyond escapism, cinema holds the transformative power to shape individuals' identities. Films can alter our sense of humor, aesthetics, and the very things we find visually appealing. They have an immeasurable influence on our lives.

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

"They're just so incredibly influential on people and who they become. I would say I stand by that and agree with that," Ortega affirmed.

In 'Beetlejuice 2,' Ortega embodies Astrid Deetz, the daughter ofLydia Deetz, played by Ryder. Their on-screen connection mirrored their off-screen bond, which Ryder has described as "sacred."

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

"It almost felt holy, like some sort of blessing from above, which, I think, is because we share the belief that film can be a kind of religious experience," Ryder revealed to Vanity Fair.

Ortega echoes this sentiment, finding a profound connection with Ryder on set. "I feel like if you locked Winona and I in a blacked-out room...we could talk for hours, no touching of the phones," she shared with Fox News Digital. "Just eye contact, in a dream."

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

The cast of 'Beetlejuice 2' reunited 36 years after the original film, a moment Ortega described as surreal. Upon seeing Michael Keaton in his iconic Beetlejuice makeup, she exclaimed, "I remember feeling my soul leave my body for a second."

The return of such beloved characters thrilled audiences, and Ortega expressed her gratitude for being a part of this cinematic legacy. "How cool is that? That I got to be a part of that. I don't know how it happened. I don't know why he asked me back, but what an honor. I mean, truly."

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

Ortega's enthusiasm extends to her collaboration with Tim Burton on both 'Wednesday' and 'Beetlejuice 2.' She views it as a privilege to be part of the director's imaginative world.

"Working with Tim every day... he's so collaborative and so sweet, so kind... it was nice because then I got to show up and play with Catherine O'Hara... make crazy faces at Winona Ryder. It was just an unbelievable world and experience," she gushed.

'Beetlejuice 2' Star Jenna Ortega: Film Can Offer 'Religious Experience'

'Beetlejuice 2,' a testament to the enduring impact of Tim Burton's artistry, hits theaters on September 6th.