# Tim Burton Faces Backlash Over *Beetlejuice* Casting: Is It Time for Change?
Tim Burton is back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons he might have hoped!
The highly anticipated sequel to *Beetlejuice* is facing accusations of racism.
Critics are taking aim at the casting choices, claiming the film lacks diversity.
While familiar faces like Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Michael Keaton return, new cast members like Jenna Ortega have stirred up controversy.
The uproar centers around a scene featuring Ortega’s character boarding a ‘Soul Train’ to the afterlife.
This moment references the iconic ’70s show that celebrated Black culture—yet it’s been labeled “stereotypical.”
“The only time Black people are in the movie is for a soul train joke,” one user vented on X.
Another critic lamented, “The Soul Train scene was so unnecessarily racist and confusing.”
Others voiced similar discomfort with Burton’s pattern of casting.
So what’s the backstory behind this contentious casting and Burton’s history?
### Tim Burton’s Troubled Casting History
To understand the current backlash, we need to look back at Tim Burton’s career.
Since his rise in the late ’80s, Burton has been known for his unique, gothic style.
However, a noticeable trend is the lack of racial diversity in his films.
In 2016, while promoting *Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children*, he addressed these concerns.
Burton claimed, “Nowadays, people are talking about it more … things either call for things, or they don’t.”
But many argue that this explanation misses the mark.
Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled being put off by what he saw as forced diversity in shows like *The Brady Bunch*.
“I grew up watching blaxploitation movies… I didn’t think, ‘OK, there should be more white people in these movies,’” he explained.
This sentiment hints at a deeper discomfort with evolving societal norms.
Burton’s reluctance to embrace diversity has haunted him for years.
### The Unsettling Legacy of *The Nightmare Before Christmas*
Even *The Nightmare Before Christmas* faced scrutiny over character portrayals.
Screenwriter Caroline Thompson has previously expressed her concerns about the villain Oogie Boogie.
Voiced by Black actor Ken Page, Oogie’s name is rooted in derogatory language used against African Americans in the South.
“I begged the powers that be to change something about that character,” Thompson admitted.
“It was a troubling part of the film for me, to be frank.”
Despite these issues, Burton’s films remain beloved, attracting massive audiences.
*Beetlejuice*—a cult classic—continues to be a cash cow.
The new installment is raking in over $250 million globally, despite the controversies.
### The Call for Change
As fans flood social media with their thoughts, it’s clear the conversation around representation is evolving.
Many argue that Hollywood must do better to reflect the world we live in.
Critics of Burton’s casting are calling for a shift toward more authentic storytelling.
“Including minorities as people isn’t gonna kill him,” one frustrated viewer remarked.
The backlash raises important questions: Is Burton out of touch?
Can he adapt his vision to include a wider range of voices?
As *Beetlejuice* continues to dominate the box office, the question looms large.
Will Burton take these criticisms to heart for future projects?
The sequel may be a box office success, but the debates around representation are far from over.
For many, the nostalgia associated with Burton’s films is overshadowed by a call for change.
The film industry is evolving, and directors like Burton must adapt.
As fans continue to dissect his choices, will Burton evolve with the times?
One thing is clear: audiences are ready for more than just a visual spectacle.
They want stories that reflect the rich diversity of human experience.
As the dust settles on the *Beetlejuice* sequel, the conversation around race in Hollywood is more critical than ever.
Will Burton’s legacy be one of creativity or controversy?
Only time will tell, but the world is watching.