Tim Burton, known for his unique and quirky filmmaking style, has faced renewed criticism following the release of Beetlejuice 2. While the movie features a star-studded cast with familiar faces like Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara, it has sparked backlash online for its perceived lack of diversity. The accusations of racism have forced Burton to once again address his casting decisions, a topic that has plagued him for years.
Controversy Surrounding ‘Beetlejuice 2’ Casting
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice cast with Tim Burton (right). Credit: Jaime Nogales/Medios y Media/Getty Images
The release of Beetlejuice 2 was eagerly anticipated by fans of the original movie, but as soon as the film hit theaters, a wave of criticism followed. Despite its commercial success, with reported worldwide earnings of over $250 million, many viewers expressed discomfort with the film’s portrayal of certain scenes and its predominantly white cast. A particular scene involving a reference to the iconic ‘70s TV show Soul Train has been singled out as racially insensitive.
The scene in question features Astrid Deetz, played by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, boarding the ‘Soul Train’ on her way to the afterlife. While the reference to the beloved TV show, which celebrated Black artists in R&B, soul, and hip-hop, was intended as a humorous nod, some viewers found it offensive and unnecessary.
Social Media Reaction to Beetlejuice 2’s Lack of Diversity
The online response to the movie’s casting decisions was swift and brutal. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “I’m glad people are calling out Beetlejuice 2 for its racist depiction of Black people. The only time Black people are in the movie is for a Soul Train joke. The movie was good, but Burton needs to realize that including minorities isn’t gonna kill him.” Another person echoed this sentiment, adding, “The Soul Train scene in Beetlejuice was so unnecessarily racist and confusing.”
This isn’t the first time Burton has been accused of excluding Black actors from his films. A third commenter stated, “Tim Burton never has Black people in his films, only to include a stereotypical ‘Soul Train’ bit in the new Beetlejuice definitely made me uncomfortable.”
Burton’s History of Defending His Casting Choices
Burton has faced similar criticisms in the past, most notably in 2016 during the promotion of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. When asked about the noticeable lack of diversity in his films, Burton responded by stating that diversity should feel natural rather than forced. He explained, “Nowadays, people are talking about it more … things either call for things, or they don’t.”
Burton elaborated on his perspective by sharing his childhood experiences. He noted that when watching shows like The Brady Bunch, which made efforts to introduce more diverse characters, he found it uncomfortable. He recalled, “I used to get more offended by that than just— I grew up watching blaxploitation movies, right? And I said, that’s great. I didn’t go like, OK, there should be more white people in these movies.”
This approach has remained consistent in Burton’s filmmaking career, but it has not shielded him from ongoing criticism about his perceived reluctance to embrace diversity in his casting.
Backlash Surrounding ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’
The issue of racial insensitivity in Burton’s work isn’t limited to Beetlejuice 2. Even his beloved film The Nightmare Before Christmas has been criticized for its portrayal of certain characters, particularly the villain Oogie Boogie, voiced by Black actor Ken Page. Screenwriter Caroline Thompson, who worked on the film, expressed her discomfort with Oogie Boogie’s character design and name, noting its racial connotations.
Tim Burton has explained his casting choices. Credit: Julien Hekimian/Getty
During an episode of the Script Apart podcast, Thompson shared her concerns: “Oogie Boogie is a derogatory term for African Americans in the American South. I begged the powers that be to change something about that character because of that. I said: ‘this is so ugly and dangerous and antithetical to everything inside me.’ I did not win that fight.”
Thompson’s comments reflect a broader discomfort with how certain stereotypes have been used in Burton’s films, further complicating his legacy as a filmmaker who has consistently leaned on Gothic, fantastical, and peculiar visual styles.
A Persistent Debate in Hollywood
The debate around Tim Burton’s casting choices highlights a persistent issue in Hollywood: the lack of diversity in certain high-profile projects. While some directors make conscious efforts to diversify their cast and avoid perpetuating stereotypes, others like Burton argue that their creative vision does not always call for forced diversity. This has led to a sharp divide between audiences who prioritize representation and filmmakers who focus on their individual storytelling approach.
The Beetlejuice 2 controversy has reignited discussions on whether filmmakers, especially ones with a massive platform like Burton, have a responsibility to ensure inclusivity in their projects. The criticisms have forced many to reflect on how far the industry has come in terms of diversity and how much more needs to be done.
Burton’s Commercial Success Versus Public Backlash
Despite the criticism, Beetlejuice 2 has been a commercial success, proving that Burton’s unique style still resonates with large audiences. The film’s global earnings are a testament to its popularity, but the backlash around the lack of diversity has cast a shadow over the film’s box office performance. The question remains: can Burton continue to create successful films while navigating an increasingly vocal public demanding more inclusivity?
In response to the backlash, Burton has not altered his approach significantly. He continues to stand by his past decisions and the belief that casting should align with the vision of the project rather than a perceived societal obligation. But with an ever-growing conversation around representation in media, Burton may eventually face a crossroads where he will need to address these concerns more directly.
Conclusion: A Filmmaker Under Scrutiny
Tim Burton has built a career on creating whimsical, dark, and fantastical worlds. However, his casting choices have frequently sparked controversy, and Beetlejuice 2 is no exception. While his films continue to succeed at the box office, the debate around diversity in his work refuses to fade.
As conversations around inclusivity become more prominent in Hollywood, the pressure on Burton to evolve his casting practices may intensify. For now, Burton remains unapologetic, continuing to prioritize his artistic vision over external expectations of diversity. But as the industry and audience tastes evolve, time will tell if Burton’s approach can continue to thrive in an increasingly inclusive entertainment landscape.
