Quinta Brunson is taking on one of animation’s most iconic characters. The Abbott Elementary creator is set to develop and star as Betty Boop in a feature film, Variety reports exclusively. Brunson’s Fifth Chance Productions has partnered with Fleischer Studios and Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, on the project, which is currently in development.
What is the ‘Betty Boop’ movie about?
Per Variety, the film will explore the relationship between Max Fleischer and his most famous creation, tracing how Betty Boop came to life and took on a cultural identity of her own. The outlet notes it would mark “Betty Boop’s first theatrical motion picture appearance in a starring role since the 1930s,” when she became, per Variety, “the first and only animated independent female movie superstar of her era.”
In a statement, Brunson said: “Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche. 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.”
Mark Fleischer added: “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.”
The project is overseen by Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg.
Featured image photo credit: Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Prime Video
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