Tim Burton has spoken out about accusations of racism after Netflix’s Wednesday sparked controversy among some viewers.
The filmmaker, known for Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, and Corpse Bride, directed and produced episodes of the hit series.
Wednesday follows teenager Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, as she navigates life at a spooky new academy.
The dark comedy became a record-breaking success, topping Netflix charts and smashing viewing figures.
But despite its global popularity, some fans accused the show of racist casting and negative portrayals of Black characters.
Burton Responds To Criticism
Burton has faced these criticisms before. His 2016 movie Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children drew similar complaints over diversity.
In an interview with Bustle, Burton said roles “either call for things, or they don’t.”
He explained: “As a kid, I saw The Brady Bunch forced diversity episodes. That felt more offensive than authentic.”
The director added that he grew up enjoying Blaxploitation films, which celebrated Black characters without pandering.
Samuel L. Jackson Defends Burton
Actor Samuel L. Jackson, who played a villain in Miss Peregrine’s, once defended Burton’s approach.
“I had to ask myself, how many Black characters have been in Burton films?” Jackson recalled.
He suggested his own role may have been the first prominent one.
Jackson insisted: “It’s not his fault or his storytelling method. That’s just how it’s happened. Tim’s a great guy.”
Another example is Ken Page, who voiced Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
That role, however, attracted backlash too, as critics argued the character’s name carried racist undertones.
Wednesday Backlash
While Wednesday included more characters of colour, some viewers were unimpressed with how they were portrayed.
Joy Sunday’s character, Bianca Barclay, was shown as the academy’s intimidating “mean girl.”
Iman Marson’s Lucas Walker was cast as a bully and the son of a corrupt mayor.
“Why are all the Black characters bullies?” one fan tweeted.
Another wrote: “I love Wednesday, but why are Black characters lit so badly?”
Not everyone agreed, though.
Some pointed out Bianca was celebrated as the school’s prettiest girl — without Eurocentric features and with a natural short haircut.
Despite ongoing criticism, Wednesday returned with a second season — although one major character, Xavier Thorpe (played by Percy Hynes White), is missing.
The first season landed 12 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for Burton.
Jenna Ortega also scored a nod for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
Co-creator Miles Millar revealed to Variety that they’re already planning for “three or four seasons” ahead.
He explained: “We always map out multiple seasons. We know exactly where these characters can go.”
Featured image credit: Harald Krichel / Netflix
