Quinta Brunson is stepping into the world’s most famous flapper.
The “Abbott Elementary” creator and Emmy winner will develop and star as Betty Boop in a feature film adaptation of the nearly century-old animated icon, Variety has learned exclusively. Brunson’s company, Fifth Chance Productions, has partnered with Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios on the project, which is currently in development and overseen by Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg.
The film will trace the origin and evolution of Betty Boop through the perspective of her creator, Max Fleischer, examining the relationship between the artist and his creation as he navigates the creative and commercial pressures of building one of the world’s first animated icons, particularly as that icon begins to take on a life of its own.
It marks Betty Boop’s first theatrical motion picture appearance in a starring role since the 1930s, when she emerged from Fleischer Studios’ groundbreaking “Talkartoons” series to become the first and only animated independent female movie superstar of her era.
“Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche,” Brunson wrote in a statement. “She has had a quiet but undeniable impact on culture for nearly a century. 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. One that could be explored in a way that feels refreshing, subversive, and timeless, much like Betty herself.”
Added Mark Fleischer: “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. 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.”
Like Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie did with the blockbuster “Barbie,” Brunson, who has built “Abbott Elementary” into network television’s defining comedy of the decade, could follow a similar template: a formidable female creator-star reimagining a nearly century-old female character through a contemporary lens.
Created by Max Fleischer in 1930, Betty Boop appeared in more than 100 cartoons during her original run, evolving from a poodle-like nightclub singer into the fully human Jazz Age icon recognized around the world today. She was the first cartoon character profiled by A&E’s “Biography” and most recently anchored the Broadway musical “BOOP!”
Her global licensing footprint spans fashion, beauty, collectibles and contemporary brand collaborations, positioning her among the most successful licensed classic characters in entertainment history.
For Brunson, the project lands as she continues her run on ABC’s hit mockumentary “Abbott Elementary,” the network comedy that made her the first solo Black woman to win the Emmy for outstanding writing for a comedy series and the first to earn three Emmy nominations in a single year for writing, acting and producing in the comedy category. She later won the Emmy for outstanding lead comedy actress for Season 2, becoming the first Black woman to earn that honor since 1981.
Mark Fleischer serves as chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios. The company’s exclusive worldwide licensing agency, Global Icons, continues to expand the Betty Boop brand across international markets.
Fifth Chance Productions, Brunson’s female-led banner, develops character-driven television and film with a focus on diverse voices and universal storytelling.
