Los Angeles News
"Django Unchained" Dolls Spur Controversy
By Katherine Noland
Jan 9, 2013 - 11:14:02 AM

LOS ANGELES—The recent release of “Django Unchained” action dolls has spurred controversy, and is being denounced by many leaders in the African-American community and other activists.

Django and Professor Shultz in "Django Unchained"

Despite its number of fans, Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” has ignited high volumes of negative responses, notably from director Spike Lee, due to its use of the “N” word and questionable historical accuracy. The release of action figure dolls depicting characters from the movie have now sparked outrage by some.

At a news conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 8, activist Naji Ali, director of “Project Islamic Hope,” stated that despite enjoying the film itself, he is against the commercialization of the time of history that the movie highlights. He also made the comparison of “Django” to Tarantino’s film “Inglorious Bastards,” noting the inappropriateness of the hypothetical sale of Jewish Holocaust victim dolls and Hitler dolls. Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network is also calling for a national boycott of the dolls

Django's controversial collectors doll

Produced by the manufacturer National Entertainment Collectibles Association and Weinstein Co., the 6 available 8” dolls include characters Django, Broomhilda, Dr. Shultz, Candie, Stephen and Butch. They are being sold separately on Amazon for $29.99 apiece, with the exception of main character Django who meets the price of $39.99.

The film has racked over $108 million domestically, and is up for five Golden Globe Awards.