Tim Burton has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time surrounding the release of his highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice 2. While the film has enjoyed significant box office success, grossing over $250 million globally, it has also faced harsh criticism online. Fans and critics alike are questioning Burton’s casting choices, with some branding the movie as “racist” for its lack of diversity.

The controversy highlights an ongoing debate about the inclusivity of Burton’s films, a topic that has followed him for years. In response, Burton has offered his explanation, attempting to address concerns about his casting patterns and the depiction of Black people in his films.

Beetlejuice 2 Cast Faces Diversity Backlash

Beetlejuice 2 brings back several of the original cast members from the 1988 hit, including fan favorites like Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Michael Keaton, who reprises his iconic role as the mischievous ghost, Beetlejuice. New stars, such as Jenna Ortega, were also added to the mix, stirring excitement among fans.

However, as the film gained attention, so did the scrutiny over its casting decisions. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were buzzing with conversations about the lack of Black representation in the movie. Many took issue with a particular scene involving Astrid Deetz (played by Ortega), who boards the “Soul Train” on her way to the afterlife.

One user wrote: “I’m glad people are calling out Beetlejuice Beetlejuice for its racist depiction of Black people. The only time Black people are in the movie is for a Soul Train joke.” Another commented, “The Soul Train scene in Beetlejuice was so unnecessarily racist and confusing.”

The iconic 1970s show Soul Train celebrated Black culture and music, featuring R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists. Burton’s inclusion of a “Soul Train” reference in Beetlejuice 2 left many feeling uncomfortable, particularly because of its lack of meaningful Black representation elsewhere in the film.

Tim Burton’s Response to Accusations

This isn’t the first time Burton’s casting choices have been called into question. In fact, he faced similar criticism 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 offered a somewhat controversial explanation.

“Nowadays, people are talking about it more… things either call for things, or they don’t,” he said. Burton reflected on his childhood discomfort with what he perceived as forced diversity in shows like The Brady Bunch. “I remember watching The Brady Bunch and they started to get all politically correct, like, OK, let’s have an Asian child and a Black child,” Burton remarked, adding that he found it more offensive when diversity felt forced or inauthentic.

In his defense, Burton has pointed to his enjoyment of certain genres of film, including blaxploitation movies, which primarily featured Black actors. He noted that while watching these films, he never questioned the lack of white representation, implying that he doesn’t see casting as something that should be dictated by a quota or expectation of diversity.

A History of Casting Criticism

Tim Burton’s films have often attracted criticism for their predominantly white casts. Even his beloved classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, wasn’t immune to controversy. The film’s villain, Oogie Boogie, voiced by Black actor Ken Page, sparked outrage for its portrayal of the character as a sinister figure.

Screenwriter Caroline Thompson, who worked closely with Burton on The Nightmare Before Christmas, expressed her discomfort with Oogie Boogie’s depiction. On the Script Apart podcast, Thompson revealed that she had deep reservations about the character, stating, “Oogie Boogie is a derogatory term for African Americans in the American South.” She explained that she fought to change the character but was ultimately unsuccessful.

This incident, alongside others in Burton’s filmography, has fueled ongoing conversations about whether his films rely on harmful stereotypes and overlook opportunities to include diverse voices in meaningful roles.

Beetlejuice 2 and the ‘Soul Train’ Controversy

The “Soul Train” reference in Beetlejuice 2 has become a focal point in the conversation around the movie’s alleged racism. In the film, Astrid Deetz, Ortega’s character, boards a spectral version of the iconic train as she travels to the Great Beyond. While some saw it as a harmless homage to a beloved show, others were uncomfortable with the idea that this scene was one of the few moments where Black culture was even acknowledged in the movie.

Given that Soul Train is a celebration of Black music and culture, its inclusion in a primarily white-cast movie without proper context or representation struck many as tone-deaf. The lack of any substantive Black characters in the film compounded the issue, making the scene feel like a superficial nod rather than a respectful homage.

The Director’s Perspective on Diversity

Burton’s comments from 2016 continue to echo in discussions about his films today. His stance that “things either call for things, or they don’t” has been interpreted by some as a resistance to incorporating diversity unless it feels entirely natural to him. This raises broader questions about the role of filmmakers in reflecting the world as it is—richly diverse and multifaceted—versus adhering to personal creative visions that may not be inclusive.

Burton has historically avoided casting a wide range of ethnicities in his films, which has led to recurring criticism. Yet, his films still enjoy enormous popularity, and many fans feel that his visual style and storytelling outweigh concerns about casting diversity.

Burton’s Influence and the Question of Responsibility

As one of Hollywood’s most influential directors, Burton’s creative choices hold significant weight in shaping industry trends. His movies have left an indelible mark on popular culture, from Edward Scissorhands to Beetlejuice. However, with great influence comes great responsibility, and Burton’s perceived reluctance to embrace diversity in his casting decisions has drawn increasing scrutiny in an era where audiences expect representation on screen.

Filmmakers, particularly those with as much clout as Burton, have the power to challenge the status quo and break away from the norms of predominantly white casts. While Burton’s artistic vision remains his own, the growing demand for diversity in Hollywood calls for reflection on how these choices affect public perception and inclusivity.

Conclusion: Tim Burton Faces a Crossroads

Tim Burton’s unique style and legacy in filmmaking are undeniable, but his approach to casting continues to ignite debate. As audiences grow more vocal about the need for diversity in media, filmmakers like Burton may need to reconsider how their creative choices align with modern expectations.

While Beetlejuice 2 is soaring at the box office, the conversations around race and representation will likely continue. For Burton, it could be time to reflect on how his films can evolve to embrace a broader range of voices, ensuring that his imaginative worlds are as diverse and inclusive as the world we live in today.