Tim Burton is back on the big screen! After a five-year hiatus from the director’s chair following his remake of “Dumbo,” with a brief return to helm Netflix’s “Wednesday,” the gothic visionary has returned to his roots with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”.

This sequel, set 36 years after the original, features Winona Ryder reprising her role as Lydia Deetz, now a successful host of a paranormal show called The Ghost House. However, her life is far from perfect—she has a strained relationship with her daughter and finds herself haunted once again by the iconic bio-exorcist.

Promotional events and premieres for the film have not only showcased the cast’s strong bond but also confirmed that Burton is dating one of the sequel’s stars, Monica Bellucci. Here’s everything you need to know about their love story.

Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci’s romance: How they fell in love

From the moment the first trailer for “Beetlejuice 2” was released, it was clear that Monica Bellucci would play Delores, the main ghost ex-wife seeking revenge on Michael Keaton’s character from their time as humans.

Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci attend a red carpet for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival at on August 28, 2024 in Venice, Italy. (Source: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

The news of Bellucci and Burton’s relationship has led many to speculate that their romance began during the movie’s production, but their connection actually dates back further. According to People, they first met at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes in 2006, but it wasn’t until October 2022 at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon that they reconnected.

Interestingly, their bond began when Bellucci presented Burton with the 14th Lumière Prize, an event that moved him to tears. Following that, they began meeting privately, with a few public sightings confirming their relationship. The actress openly discussed their romance in an interview with Elle France in June of the previous year, saying:

“What I can say… I’m glad I met the man, first of all. It’s one of those encounters that rarely happens in life… I know the man, I love him, and now I’m going to meet the director, another adventure begins.”

Their affection for each other is evident, as they have been seen together at numerous events for Burton’s latest projects. It’s likely we’ll continue to see them hand in hand, possibly making appearances together during the premiere of the second season of “Wednesday”.