Hollywood power couple Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci have confirmed their split after almost three years of dating.
Announcing the news on Friday, the duo, who were first linked in October 2023, issued a joint statement, declaring: ‘It is with much respect and deep care for each other that Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have decided to part ways.’
Tim, the famed director behind cult classics including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and Corpse Bride, first met the Italian actor in 2006 while attending the Cannes Film Festival.
After a brief introduction, however, the duo went their separate ways, with Tim involved in a long-term relationship with Helena Bonham Carter and Monica married to Vincent Cassel.
It wasn’t until 2022 that Tim and Monica, both single, were rumoured to have reconnected at the Lumière Festival in France. While it’s unknown when the couple started dating, they were spotted spending time together in Madrid in February 2023, before publicly confirming their romance on the red carpet at the Rome Film Festival in October of that year.
Before making their big debut, Monica had already sung Tim’s praises in an interview with Elle France.
Following the news that he’d cast her in the highly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel, the Spectre star raved: ‘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.’
Released in 2024, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice would mark the power couple’s first project, with Monica stepping into the role of Betelgeuse’s (Michael Keaton) ex-wife, Delores LaFerve.
‘I’m so honoured to be part of this film and to come into Tim’s world,’ Monica said at the movie’s premiere.
‘Tim is an artist, and he knows how to make situations that are fantastic and horrific and comic and emotional all at the same time. He helped me so much to create this monster, more than a monster, she is a creature. She is mean but also charming.
‘She is a metaphor of life. Tim told me about the character and said he thought of me, and he showed me what he thought. Tim loves Italy and he loves Italian films, and he has showed me so many films. I have discovered [Italian horror director] Mario Bava thanks to him.’
Quizzed about working with Tim, Monica told Screen Rant: ‘What I saw on set was that he was full of energy and joy, and I think this film for Tim is very personal.
‘I think it’s something very important for him, and for me to be a witness to this beautiful atmosphere and to see this synergy and this creative connection between him and all those incredible actors was really so enriching.’
Monice later joined Tim as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 2024.
Co-ordinating in black outfits, the couple held hands as Tim’s frequent collaborators, Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, took to the stage to celebrate his decade-spanning career in the film industry.
Prior to their split, Monica and Tim were last spotted together at the 71st Taormina Film Festival in Sicily in June, where the director was seen kissing his then-girlfriend on the cheek.
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