One of the world’s most famous cartoon characters will be the focus of an intriguing new film from a talented television creator.
Quinta Brunson is the Emmy-winning creator and star of ABC’s Abbott Elementary, also known for her stand-up comedy career. In addition to recently wrapping up the fifth season of Abbott Elementary, Brunson lent her voice to the new adult animated Prime Video series Kevin. But her next “animated” role will be none other than Betty Boop.
Variety exclusively reported on Wednesday that Brunson will develop and star in a feature adaptation of the century-old cartoon, working with the grandson of Betty Boop’s creator. Mark Fleischer of Fleischer Studios and grandson of Max Fleischer is working with Brunson’s Fifth Chance Productions on the forthcoming Betty Boop movie, now in development.
Per Variety, “The film will trace the origin and evolution of Betty Boop through the perspective of her creator […] examining the relationship between the artist and his creation […] as that icon begins to take on a life of its own.” Variety notes the movie’s potential to be similar to the surrealistic concept of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
Max Fleischer created Betty Boop in 1930; the character originally appeared as a poodle in Paramount’s Talkartoon series before becoming a jazz age flapper and worldwide phenomenon. She appeared in more than 100 cartoons in her original run, and her legacy extends to being the inspiration for the 2025 Broadway musical BOOP!
Betty Boop’s brand spans fashion, beauty products, and various merchandise, while the character also appears in the medium-hybrid classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Fleischer is most famous for creating the beloved flapper, but had an extensive career in comics and cartoons, going on to found Fleischer Studios with his brother Dave.
Brunson’s major credits also include A Black Lady Sketch Show, Big Mouth, The Studio, Zootopia 2, and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Abbott Elementary has, to date, won four Emmys, including Brunson taking home both Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2023 and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2022.
Brunson is a trailblazer, as Betty Boop is: the former is the first solo Black woman to win the comedy series writing Emmy, while the latter was the first animated independent female movie superstar, and the only one of her era. Now, one will continue to push the boundaries of storytelling through the other.
“Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche,” said Brunson in a statement. “After Erin and I met with Mark, I realized there was a much deeper story to tell. One that could be explored in a way that feels refreshing, subversive, and timeless, much like Betty herself.“
We may see the Betty Boop movie from Quinta Brunson by 2028.
- Birthdate
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December 21, 1989
- Birthname
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Quinta Brunson
