Quinta Brunson to Develop and Star in Betty Boop Film

Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator and star of "Abbott Elementary," will develop and star in a feature film about the classic cartoon icon Betty Boop. The project, a partnership between Brunson's Fifth Chance Productions and Fleischer Studios, marks the character's first starring role in a theatrical film since the 1930s.

The film will trace the origin and evolution of Betty Boop through the perspective of her creator, Max Fleischer. It will examine the relationship between the artist and his creation as he navigated the creative and commercial pressures of building one of the world's first animated icons. Brunson is collaborating closely with Mark Fleischer, the grandson of Max Fleischer, on the development.

In a statement, Brunson described Betty Boop as one of the nation's most beloved yet pleasantly niche characters, noting her quiet but undeniable cultural impact over nearly a century. She said that after meeting with Mark Fleischer and learning more about his grandfather's creation, she realized there was a deeper story to tell that could feel refreshing, subversive, and timeless.

Mark Fleischer stated that he was taken with Brunson's unique concept for the film,...