The Abbott Elementary creator is partnering with Fleischer Studios to bring the animated icon to the big screen for the first time since the 1930s.
Quinta Brunson is stepping into one of animation’s most enduring roles. The Emmy-winning creator and star of Abbott Elementary is developing and starring in a feature film adaptation of Betty Boop, partnering with Mark Fleischer, grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios on the project. It marks the character’s first theatrical motion picture appearance in a starring role since the 1930s.
The film takes a distinctive angle on the material. Rather than a straightforward adaptation, it 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 animation’s first major icons, particularly as that icon begins to take on a life of her own.
“Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche,” Brunson said. “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 responded in kind. “When Quinta first approached me with the unique concept of a movie about the relationship of my grandfather and his creation, 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.”
Created by Max Fleischer in 1930, Betty Boop appeared in over 100 cartoons during her original run, evolving from a poodle-like nightclub singer into the fully human Jazz Age flapper 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!, which featured a score by 16-time Grammy winner David Foster.
The project is being developed through Brunson’s production company Fifth Chance Productions, a female-led banner focused on character-driven storytelling with diverse voices. Erin Wehrenberg, head of creative affairs at Fifth Chance, is overseeing the project alongside Brunson.
For Brunson, the film arrives as she continues her remarkable run in television. She made history as the first solo Black woman to win the Emmy for outstanding writing for a comedy series, the first to earn three Emmy nominations in a single year for writing, acting, and producing in the comedy category, and later won the Emmy for outstanding lead comedy actress, becoming the first Black woman to earn that distinction since 1981. Abbott Elementary is set to return for its sixth season on ABC in fall 2026.