“Abbott Elementary’s” Quinta Brunson Is Playing Betty Boop in an Upcoming Film
Quinta Brunson is trading her classroom for a red dress and a boop-oop-a-doop.
The Emmy-winning creator and star of Abbott Elementary has announced she will develop and star in a feature film about Betty Boop — one of the most iconic animated characters in American history. Brunson's production company, Fifth Chance Productions, is partnering with Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, and the family's Fleischer Studios on the project. It was first reported exclusively by Variety and confirmed by Brunson on Instagram on May 21, where she captioned the post simply: "excited to bring this story to life."
The Story the Film Will Tell
The film is not a straightforward animated adaptation. It will trace the origin and evolution of Betty Boop through the perspective of her creator, Max Fleischer — following the relationship between the artist and his creation as she evolves from a cartoon into a global cultural phenomenon. The story will explore the creative and commercial pressures Fleischer navigated as Betty Boop took on a life of her own, becoming one of the first female animated stars in American pop culture history.
Betty Boop debuted in 1930 and went on to appear in more than 100 cartoons. With her signature short curly hair, tiny red dress, and the catchphrase that became shorthand for an entire era of animation, she became a symbol of the Jazz Age and a surprisingly durable piece of American iconography — one that has outlasted the studio system that created her.
"Betty Boop is one of our nation's most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche," Brunson said in a statement. "She has had a quiet but undeniable impact on culture for nearly a century. When I came to understand the story behind her creation, I knew there was a deeper story that could be explored in a way that feels refreshing, subversive, and timeless, much like Betty herself."
Mark Fleischer's reaction to Brunson's involvement made clear the family sees something specific in the pairing. "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," he said. "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."
Why Brunson Makes Sense for This
The casting is doing more than one thing at once. Brunson, 36, is a Philadelphia native and one of the most critically acclaimed creators working in television right now. Abbott Elementary has won multiple Emmy Awards, and Brunson herself has become one of the most in-demand voices in the industry.
Betty Boop, notably, was a Black character in her earliest iteration. The character was originally based on singer Helen Kane, but many animation historians and scholars have pointed to the heavy influence of jazz singer Esther Jones — known as Baby Esther — whose vocal style and phrasing, including the "boop-oop-a-doop," were appropriated without credit. Casting a Black actress to play Betty Boop is being read by many as a meaningful piece of the film's approach.
What Comes Next
The project is currently in development, with no distributor, director, or release date announced. Erin Wehrenberg, head of creative affairs at Fifth Chance Productions, is overseeing the project. No screenplay has been publicly released.
Betty Boop's cultural moment is unusually active right now. The stage musical BOOP! received three Tony Award nominations in 2025. A feature film with Quinta Brunson attached only adds to the sense that one of animation's oldest icons is having a genuine revival — nearly a century after she first appeared on screen.
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