Director Tim Burton has addressed criticism over the lack of diversity in his films, following backlash toward his Netflix hit Wednesday. The series, starring Jenna Ortega, broke viewing records but some viewers claimed it portrayed Black characters only as antagonists.
Burton, known for Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice, told Bustle: “Films either call for things, or they don’t… I grew up watching blaxploitation movies and thought that was great. I didn’t think there should be more white people in them.” Actor Samuel L. Jackson, one of the few Black stars in Burton’s films, defended him, saying it’s “no fault of his or his storytelling.”
In Wednesday, Joy Sunday plays popular student Bianca Barclay, and Iman Marson plays Lucas Walker, the son of a corrupt mayor. While some fans criticized the portrayals, others praised the show for casting a non-Eurocentric Black actress as the school’s “prettiest” character.
Despite the controversy, Wednesday was nominated for 12 Primetime Emmys. Burton and co-creators have plans for multiple future seasons.
