With a sequel currently being planned for the Gothic musical Beetlejuice, its original director Tim Burton has said that the film will only work if leading star Michael Keaton reprises his role as the eccentric ghost.

Speaking to MTV News, Burton admitted that he would be tempted to return for the follow-up, which is being worked on by Dark Shadows writer Seth Grahame-Smith, but only on the condition that Keaton would also return.

“I think he would be willing to do it. Keaton would have to be in it. He was great as that character. I think it’s a way to unleash your inner whatever. I bet you he would get right back into it.”

Currently though, Burton is involved with the dark animation Frankenweenie and has said he won’t focus on Beetlejuice II just yet.

“I’m finishing Frankenweenie first and then I need to revisit Beetlejuice 2… I just said to writer Seth, ‘If you have some idea about it, go for it, and then I’ll look at it freshly'”

Frankenweenie is due out in the UK on October 17th.