Quinta Brunson to Bring Betty Boop Back to the Big Screen
Emmy-winning actress and creator Quinta Brunson is preparing to take on one of animation’s most iconic characters. The “Abbott Elementary” star is set to develop and star in a new feature film centered around Betty Boop, marking the character’s first starring theatrical role in decades.
Brunson’s production company, Fifth Chance Productions, is partnering with Fleischer Studios and Mark Fleischer, the grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer. The project is currently in development and will reportedly explore the relationship between Fleischer and the legendary animated character he introduced in 1930.
In a statement, Brunson described Betty Boop as one of America’s most beloved cartoon characters and said the character has quietly influenced culture for nearly a century. She explained that after learning more about Betty’s creation and history, she saw an opportunity to tell a story that feels modern, timeless and fresh while still honoring the original character.
Betty Boop first appeared in Fleischer Studios’ “Talkartoons” series before becoming one of the first female animated superstars in entertainment history. The character starred in more than 100 cartoons during the 1930s and eventually became a worldwide pop culture icon recognized through fashion, beauty products and collectibles.
Many industry observers are comparing the upcoming film to the success of the 2023 hit “Barbie,” which reimagined a classic female character through a modern perspective. Brunson’s strong storytelling style and comedic background have made fans eager to see her interpretation of Betty Boop for a new generation.
The announcement has also reignited conversations about the origins of the character and the legacy of Esther Jones, also known as “Baby Esther.” Historians have long argued that the young Black entertainer inspired Betty Boop’s signature “boop-oop-a-doop” sound and animated performance style during the Harlem Renaissance era.
During a famous court case in the 1930s involving actress Helen Kane, evidence reportedly showed that Baby Esther used the vocal style before Kane popularized it. Although Betty Boop became a lasting symbol of American animation, many believe Esther Jones never received the recognition she deserved for her influence on the character’s creation.
Fans online are now hopeful Brunson’s film will not only revive Betty Boop for modern audiences, but also acknowledge the deeper cultural history connected to the beloved cartoon icon.
