Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci, who first sparked dating rumors earlier this year, have confirmed their relationship through their collaboration on the new film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which was released in the U.S. on September 6. Bellucci expressed her happiness about meeting Burton while discussing her role in the highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 classic Beetlejuice. She described meeting Burton as a rare encounter in life, expressing her affection for him and excitement about their working relationship.
Burton, known for iconic films such as Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Batman, and Edward Scissorhands, gained recognition early in his career with Beetlejuice, his second feature film. Bellucci, an Italian actress and former model, is famous for her roles in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the Matrix sequels.
Although the duo first crossed paths at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, they only officially became a couple in 2023. Their first public appearance together occurred at the Rome Film Festival, where Burton supported Bellucci at the premiere of her film, Maria Callas: Lettere e Memorie, garnering attention for their evident affection towards each other.
Both Burton and Bellucci have high-profile ex-partners. Burton previously dated Helena Bonham Carter from 2000 to 2014, sharing two children. Bellucci was married to French actor Vincent Cassel from 1999 until their split in 2013, with whom she has two daughters.
Bellucci has expressed a strong connection to the themes prevalent in Burton’s films, appreciating how they explore kindness and redemption amid darker narratives. In 2023, she joined the cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, playing the role of the titular ghost’s wife. The film was primarily shot in London and premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024.
In a show of support, the couple attended the Globo d’Oro Awards in July 2024 in Rome, where Bellucci was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Their public appearances together are rare, but on the red carpet, they showcased their affection for one another, reinforcing their burgeoning relationship. Bellucci has described Burton as possessing a “spectacular soul,” highlighting the depth of her feelings for him.