Alyssa Milano Claims She Almost Had Winona Ryder's Role In 'Beetlejuice 2'

Alyssa Milano claims she almost landed Winona Ryder's character in the Tim Burton classic and could be the one reprising the role in "Beetlejuice 2."

Ryder built her image as the "It Girl" of the late 80s and early 90s, starring in blockbusters such as "Dracula," "Edward Scissorhands," and "Reality Bites." Milano, meanwhile, spent the early years of her career playing the wholesome role of Tony Danza's onscreen daughter in the sitcom "Who's The Boss." But according to Milano, she would have been the one appearing in "Beetlejuice 2" had she landed Ryder's role in the original film.

"I did get close on a movie that I really, really wanted to get when I was a kid that Winona Ryder actually got, which was 'Beetlejuice,'" Milano said in a statement published by Entertainment Weekly. "It was between the two of us, and she actually got the part. I always wondered what would've been different."

Meanwhile, Ryder, who played teen goth Lydia Deetz more than 20 years ago, explained how she found out that she was part of the upcoming sequel.

"Tim Burton did this interview - like, it was very hush hush, top secret. And then he was doing some press for 'Big Eyes' and he did an on-camera interview and he said, 'Oh yeah we're doing it and Winona's going to be in it,' and I was like [shocked face]," Ryder said confirming her participation on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Burton, however, doesn't consider the upcoming film to be a reboot as he says in this interview with Yahoo! Movies.

"There's a script now, that I think is closer to what it could be and I'm excited about it," the director said updating on the project's status. "I wouldn't call it so much a sequel, but it'll have some characters. It's a bit too early to say but it's definitely something that's on my radar and something I'd love to do."

"Beetlejuice 2" stars Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Michael Keaton as the obnoxious ghoul from the Netherworld.