Dating rumors between Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci had been swirling for quite some time before the couple confirmed their relationship. The duo has now collaborated on a project, with their film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiering in the U.S. on September 6.
Reflecting on their partnership, Bellucci shared with Elle France in June 2023, shortly after being cast in the highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 classic Beetlejuice, “Meeting Tim has been one of those rare, life-changing encounters. I’m thrilled to have connected with him, and now embarking on this new adventure with him as a director.”
Burton and Bellucci first met in 2006 but didn’t become a couple until 2023, with their red carpet debut at the Rome Film Festival that year
Burton, renowned for directing iconic films such as Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Batman (1989), and Edward Scissorhands (1990), saw Beetlejuice as his second feature film. Bellucci, an Italian actress who transitioned from modeling to acting, is known for roles in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and The Matrix sequels (2003 and 2021).
Despite having crossed paths years earlier, Burton and Bellucci did not become a couple until 2023. Their relationship was first publicly acknowledged at the Rome Film Festival, where they appeared on the red carpet together. The couple had kept their professional and personal lives separate until working together on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Bellucci remarked to Paris Match in June 2024, “I’m with Tim, not Tim Burton,” indicating their desire to separate their personal relationship from their professional collaboration.
Here’s a look into Burton and Bellucci’s relationship:
Their initial meeting took place in 2006
Burton and Bellucci first encountered each other on the red carpet at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, although both were then involved in long-term relationships. Their next interaction occurred in October 2022 at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon, where Bellucci presented Burton with a lifetime achievement award. Burton expressed his gratitude, saying, “Tonight, I have never felt so much love. It was the best funeral I’ve ever had,” according to The Times.
Shortly after, they were seen together in Madrid, and by October 2023, they made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Rome Film Festival, where Burton supported Bellucci’s film Maria Callas: Lettere e Memorie. Coverage noted Burton as being “so in love and happy,” as reported by The Independent.
Both have high-profile ex-partners
Burton was previously in a relationship with Helena Bonham Carter from 2000 to 2014. They had two children, Billy (born 2003) and Nell (born 2007), and lived in adjacent houses connected by a hallway. Carter described their unique arrangement as a way to maintain personal space while remaining close, referring to their breakup as “a divorce.” She later discussed the problems of co-parenting post-divorce on the Therapy Works podcast in 2022.
Bellucci, married French actor Vincent Cassel in 1999, with whom she had two daughters, Deva (born 2004) and Léonie (born 2010). Bellucci and Cassel divorced in 2013. Deva, reflecting on her parents’ teachings, shared with Gen V in 2023 that they instilled values of self-reliance, kindness, and respect for others.
Bellucci resonates with Burton’s film themes
In her first public comments about their relationship to Elle France, Bellucci expressed her connection to Burton’s films. She noted, “I am drawn to the dreamlike quality of Tim’s work, where even the monsters are kind. His films transform darker aspects into something bright and forgiving.”
Their collaboration on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
In May 2023, The Hollywood Reporter announced Bellucci’s casting in the sequel to Beetlejuice. She plays the wife of the titular character, with filming taking place primarily in London. Bellucci told Elle France in June 2023, “I deeply respect Tim and cherish our working relationship.” Burton, reflecting on the project, told The Independent that he enjoyed returning to basics and working with talented actors and puppets. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on August 28, 2024.
They shared a public appearance
In July 2024, Burton and Bellucci attended the Globo d’Oro Awards in Rome, where Bellucci received a lifetime achievement award. Their appearance was remarkable due to its rarity, with Burton affectionately kissing Bellucci’s cheek on the red carpet.
Bellucci admires Burton’s character
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Espana in 2023, Bellucci spoke warmly of Burton, saying, “I discovered a wonderful spirit in Tim. He is a truly spectacular soul.”
