“Django Unchained” producers finally put an end to creating slave action-figures based on the controversial, Oscar-nominated film.
According to Reuters, “The eight-inch (20 cm) dolls, which were intended for people 17 and older, included gun-slinging freed slave Django, his wife and cruel, white plantation owner Candie.”
“Django Unchained” was hit with harsh criticism from Hollywood heavy-weights and moviegoers, alike, for graphically portraying and making light of the institution of slavery. Yet, the film still managed to pull five Oscar nods, including Best Picture.
As for the dolls, Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is among groups speaking out against their production and distribution.
K.W. Tullos, president of the National Action Network’s L.A. branch, told the New York Daily News:
“Selling this doll is highly offensive to our ancestors and the African-American community. The movie is for adults, but these are action figures that appeal to children. We don’t want other individuals to utilize them for entertainment, to make a mockery of slavery.”
In light of the upheaval, the Weinstein Company–producers of “Django Unchained”–released a statement on Friday saying they have stopped production on the dolls. Although, they did note, similar action-figures have been produced for many of Quentin Tarantino’s past films.
Sellers of the dolls, the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, did not comment.
