Monica Bellucci and director boyfriend Tim Burton dress to impress in matching black as they pose on the red carpet at the Beetlejuice 2 premiere during Venice Film Festival

Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton looked happier than ever as they attended the premiere of the Beetlejuice sequel at the Venice Film Festival on Wednesday night.

The couple, who have been in a relationship since October 2023, dressed impressively, all wearing matching black outfits and large sunglasses as they posed for photos together.

Tim, who directed the second film, looked handsome in a suit and tie, teamed with a pair of sneakers.

Meanwhile, Monica, who plays Delores in the sequel, looked glamorous in a plunging, off-the-shoulder dress.

The Italian star showed off her incredible figure in the maxi dress which featured dramatic puff sleeves.

The couple, who have been dating since October 2023, dressed to impress, coordinating their outfits and donning oversized sunglasses as they posed for photos together.

She added a pop of colour to the outfit with a chunky necklace and carried her belongings in a matching black clutch.

The actress didn’t appear in the original film, Beetlejuice, which was made 35 years ago, but Tim has a habit of casting his lovers in his films – such as Helena Bonham Carter – and she plays Delores, the ex-wife of Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice in this film.

The character is like a “stitched doll,” she says.

Monica said ahead of the premiere: ‘I feel honored to be a part of this film and to step into Tim’s world.

‘Tim is an artist and he knows how to create situations that are fantastic, gruesome, funny and emotional at the same time.

‘He helped me so much to create this monster, more than a monster, she’s a creature. She’s mean but also charming.

“She’s a metaphor for life. Tim told me about the character and said he was thinking about me, and he showed me what he was thinking.

‘Tim loves Italy and he loves Italian films and he showed me so many films. I discovered Mario Bava (director of the 1957 horror classic I Vampiri) thanks to him.’

Tim, who directed the second film, looked handsome in a suit and tie, which he teamed with a pair of sneakers

Meanwhile, Monica, who plays Delores in the sequel, looked glamorous in a plunging, off-the-shoulder dress

The Italian star showed off her incredible figure in the maxi dress with dramatic puff sleeves

The actress didn’t star in the original film, Beetlejuice, which was made 35 years ago, but Tim has a habit of casting his lovers in his films – such as Helena Bonham Carter – and she plays Delores, the ex-wife of Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice in this film

Tim admitted that he considered quitting filmmaking after the disappointing reception of his live-action film Dumbo for Disney.

But he was re-energized after making Wednesday, the Addams Family spinoff for Netflix, last year.

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega has joined the Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice movie as Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz, played by Winona Ryder.

The director said: ‘Over the last few years I’ve become a little bit disillusioned with the film industry, you could say. I just realised that if I ever want to do anything else, I’m going to do it from my heart, it’s got to be something I want to do.

‘Winona, Michael and I talked every few years about doing Beetlejuice, but I got energized by Wednesday. Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains in Romania does something to a person.’

He added that he hadn’t seen the original film before beginning filming for the sequel, but that he hoped to stay true to its spirit.

Jenna Ortega said she joined a “team of giants” for the film, adding: “For me, it was about making sure I wasn’t copying any of Winona’s work from that time and making something new.”

Winona said, “I was so happy to be back with everyone. It was such a special experience. My love and trust for Tim is so deep. There’s a sense of playfulness where you try things and you know if it’s bad, he won’t use it.”

The cast of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hit the carpet (pictured from left to right: Catherine O’Hara, Willem Dafoe, Michael Keaton, Monica Belluci, Tim Burton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, and Arthur Conti)

A synopsis of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice reads: ‘Three generations of the Deetz family return to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy’

Tim and Monica first met 16 years ago, but reportedly started dating after seeing each other at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon in October 2022.

Monica confirmed their relationship in June of the following year, telling Elle France: “What I can say… I’m happy to have met the man, first of all.”

‘It’s one of those encounters that you rarely have in life… I know the man, I love him, and now I’m going to meet the director, a new adventure begins.’

She added: ‘I love Tim. And I have great respect for Tim Burton.’