Earlier today, screenwriter/producer Seth Grahame-Smith revealed that his Gremlins reboot has been put on hold, but that is just one of the many projects he is currently involved in. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the writer offered an update on Beetlejuice 2, which he co-wrote with his writing/producing partner David Katzenberg. Last month, director Tim Burton revealed that the sequel is "closer than ever" to happening, which Seth Grahame-Smith essentially confirmed, revealing that they hope to start production at the end of this year. Here's what the writer had to say.

"I've emailed with Michael Keaton. I know he's excited about the idea. I know Tim is excited about the idea. Where it stands now is Tim's got to get ready to make [Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children], and then hopefully we are set, deals are done, and we're waiting in the wings ready to go right after Peregrine's wraps up. The ideal timeline is we're really getting into it toward the end of this year."

Seth Grahame-Smith also confirmed recent comments made by Tim Burton that original Beetlejuice star Winona Ryder will be back as Lydia Deetz.

"[Burton] was doing press for Big Eyes right before the holiday, and was getting the Beetlejuice question, and sort of tipped people off that Winona [Ryder] would be back. Which yes, she will be back."

Seth Grahame-Smith also said that he has finished a few different drafts of the screenplay. Unfortunately, he wouldn't offer any specific story details, but he did add that he believes they have found the right idea to move forward with.

"I think we landed on the right idea, landed on the right approach. It's just now making sure that-for me-I don't want to s--t my pants in front of the entire world making a sequel to one of my favorite movies."