Quinta Brunson Is Bringing Betty Boop Back to the Big Screen

Emmy-winning actress and television producer Quinta Brunson is developing a new Betty Boop feature film in partnership with Mark Fleischer, grandson of the character’s original creator.

Brunson’s production company, Fifth Chance, and Fleischer Studios will bring Betty Boop back to the big screen in a film exploring the relationship between the iconic character and her creator, Max Fleischer. The movie will mark Betty Boop’s first screen appearance since 1988, giving Brunson the opportunity to breathe new life into the beloved character.

“After Erin and I met with Mark and learned more about his grandfather’s creation of Betty, I realized there was a much deeper story to tell,” Brunson told Variety. “One that could be explored in a way that feels refreshing, subversive, and timeless, much like Betty herself.”

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The Origins of Betty Boop 

Betty Boop has undergone several evolutions over the years. Grim Natwick, at the request of Max Fleischer, drew Boop as an anthropomorphic French poodle. Singer Helen Kane inspired her look. Her signature “boop” vocal style is largely credited to 1920s Black jazz performer Esther Jones, known as Baby Esther. She first appeared on screen in 1930 and was transitioned into a human character a year later. 

Unlike other childish asexual female cartoons on screen, Betty Boop was the first animated sex symbol of her time. Betty was drawn with a low-cut dress, high heels, and a garter. She was modeled after the carefree Jazz flappers who dressed provocatively and rebelled against gendered norms of the time. 

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In 1934, the Motion Picture Association of America enforced stricter content regulations. This forced Fleischer Studios to tone down Betty’s revealing wardrobe and sultry nature. She was given longer skirts and more subdued storylines. 

Betty Boop featured in 90 theatrical cartoons between 1930 and 1939. She also starred in two feature films: The Romance of Betty Boop (1985) and The Betty Boop Hollywood Mystery (1989). With a global licensing footprint spanning fashion, beauty, and collectibles, Betty remains a beloved cultural icon. She will soon return to the big screen in a live-action hybrid origin film from Fleischer Studios and Fifth Chance Productions.

“When Quinta first approached me with the unique concept of a movie about the relationship of my grandfather, Max Fleischer, and his creation, Betty Boop, I was breathtaken” said Mark Fleischer, head of Fleischer Studios. “Quinta so embodies Betty’s love of life, intelligence, humor, sassiness, and compassion that the relationship between her as Betty and Max burst into life at its mere mention.” 

Quinta Brunson’s Rise to Fame 

Brunson boasts a formidable television career that positions her perfectly to take on this project. She amassed an audience in 2014 with her Instagram comedy series: Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date. After working as a freelancer for Buzzfeed, they hired her as a video producer and creative partner. She channeled her writing, production, and acting talents into two series: Broke (2016) and Up for Adoption (2017). 

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In the fall of 2019, Brunson wrote and co-starred in HBO’s comedy series, A Black Lady Sketch Show, and wrote her debut book, She Memes Well, in 2021. 

But Brunson’s breakout success came from her award-winning mockumentary: Abbott Elementary. The comedy was inspired by her mother’s 40-year career as a passionate teacher at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Brunson serves as the showrunner, head writer, and stars as second-grade teacher Janine Teagues. ABC has renewed the critically acclaimed series for a sixth season.

In 2022, Brunson made history as the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations in comedy categories. That year she took home the trophy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. Then in 2023, she won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, cementing her place in television history. 

Brunson went from viral internet sensation to Emmy-winning showrunner. Now she is set to produce her own take on the creation and evolution of Betty Boop, and we are all eager to see what she makes of it. 

Image credit: Quinta Brunson Peabody Awards/Vimeo (Creative Commons)