Full Breakdown
Quinta Brunson to Star in and Develop First Live-Action Betty Boop Feature Film
5/21/2026, 1:24:30 AM
Betty Boop Returns to the Big Screen: Core Project Overview
Quinta Brunson, Emmy-winning creator of *Abbott Elementary*, will develop and headline a new feature film that brings Betty Boop to a theatrical starring role for the first time since the 1930s. The project is being produced by Brunson’s Fifth Chance Productions in partnership with Fleischer Studios and Mark Fleischer, the grandson of the character’s original creator, Max Fleischer. Development is overseen by Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg.
Historical Roots of the Flapper Icon
Betty Boop debuted in 1930 under Max Fleischer’s direction, appearing in more than 100 “Talkartoons” shorts. Originally a poodle-like nightclub singer, she evolved into a fully human Jazz-Age flapper, becoming the era’s first independent animated female star. The character later headlined A&E’s *Biography* and now anchors the Broadway musical *BOOP!*, while her licensing empire spans fashion, beauty, collectibles and brand collaborations.
Key Players Behind the Production
- Quinta Brunson – creator, lead actress, and co-producer; founder of Fifth Chance Productions, a female-led banner focused on diverse storytelling.
- Mark Fleischer – chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios; grandson of Max Fleischer, serving as executive producer.
- Erin Wehrenberg – head of creative affairs at Fifth Chance, managing day-to-day development.
- Fleischer Studios – original studio behind Betty Boop, providing archival support and creative guidance.
- Global Icons – worldwide licensing agency expanding the Boop brand across international markets.
Numbers That Define the Icon
- Over 100 original cartoons (1930-1939).
- Licensing footprint includes fashion, beauty, collectibles and contemporary brand collaborations, ranking Boop among the most successful classic-character licenses.
- The film will be the first theatrical starring role for Betty Boop since the 1930s and the first major live-action appearance since her cameo in *Who Framed Roger Rabbit* (1988).
Official Statements & Project Vision
Brunson described the undertaking as an effort to present a “refreshing, subversive, and timeless” take on a character whose cultural impact has endured for nearly a century. She emphasized the desire to explore the creator-creation dynamic between Max Fleischer and Betty, highlighting the pressures of artistic ambition and commercial demand. Mark Fleischer expressed that Brunson’s involvement “embodies Betty’s love of life, intelligence, humor, sassiness and compassion,” and that the concept left him “breathtaken.” Fifth Chance reiterated its commitment to character-driven stories that amplify diverse voices.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism have been reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the film’s development status, key participants, and narrative focus. However, source reliability varies (some entries lack explicit reliability ratings), and no specific production schedule or release date has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche,” — Quinta Brunson
- “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.” — Quinta Brunson
- “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.” — Mark Fleischer
- “ Her global licensing footprint spans fashion, beauty, collectibles and contemporary brand collaborations, positioning her among the most successful licensed classic characters in entertainment history.” — Variety
- “ 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.” — Blex Media
What’s Next
The film remains in development with no announced release window. Brunson will continue her work on *Abbott Elementary*, slated for a sixth season in fall 2026, while production on the Betty Boop feature proceeds under Fifth Chance and Fleischer Studios.
