Emmy Award-winning creator, writer, producer, and actress Quinta Brunson, through her production banner Fifth Chance Productions, has partnered with Mark Fleischer and the legendary Fleischer Studios to develop a feature film adaptation of the iconic Betty Boop, with Brunson attached to star in the title role. The project is currently in development, with Fifth Chance Productions’ Head of Creative Affairs Erin Wehrenberg overseeing for the company.

LOGLINE: The film will chronicle the origin and evolution of Betty Boop through the eyes of her creator, Max Fleischer, exploring the relationship of the artist to his creation while navigating the immense creative and commercial pressures that came with building one of the world’s first animated icons, especially when that icon begins to take on a life of its own. 

Betty Boop is about to make her first theatrical motion picture appearance in a starring role since the 1930’s.  For nearly a century, Betty Boop has remained one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in entertainment history. Within a short period of time of her debut in Fleischer Studios’ 1930’s “Talkartoons” cartoon series, Betty’s explosive popularity thrust her into becoming the first and only animated independent female movie superstar.  Her wildly successful movie career has transcended generations through expansive global licensing programs spanning fashion, beauty, collectibles, accessories, and contemporary brand collaborations. Widely regarded now as one of the most successful licensed classic characters of all time, Betty Boop’s remarkable longevity is especially rare in modern entertainment — having maintained for almost 100 years both her instantly recognizable identity and values, while remaining accessible and relevant to the ever-evolving culture around her.  

Quinta Brunson, Creator and Executive Producer, Fifth Chance Productions, 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, Fleischer Studios, said:

“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 breath-taken.  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 collaboration unites Brunson’s celebrated talent for character-driven, culturally resonant storytelling with Fleischer Studios’ unmatched legacy as the original creators and longtime stewards of Betty Boop — the animation world’s most classic female character. Having shepherded the character for nearly a century, Fleischer Studios brings an unparalleled depth of creative and historical insight to this landmark project.

ABOUT FIFTH CHANCE PRODUCTIONS

Fifth Chance Productions is a female-led entertainment company dedicated to creating dynamic, diverse, and impactful storytelling. Specializing in TV and film, the company seeks out character-driven narratives with universal themes that entertain, inspire, and connect audiences from all walks of life. Fifth Chance Productions celebrates the beauty of life’s joys while acknowledging its challenges, bringing both emerging and established talent together to create authentic and uplifting shows and movies.

ABOUT QUINTA BRUNSON

Quinta Brunson serves as creator, executive producer, writer, and lead actress on ABC’s award-winning and critically acclaimed series Abbott Elementary. Her use of mockumentary-style storytelling and socially conscious narratives has helped attract younger audiences back to network television. In 2022, Brunson became the first Black woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and the first to receive three Emmy nominations in a single year for writing, acting, and producing in the comedy category. She won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series — becoming the first Black woman to earn that honor since 1981. She has also received recognition from the Golden Globe Awards, Critics Choice Awards, The Actor Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Television Critics Association Awards, and the prestigious Peabody Award.

ABOUT BETTY BOOP AND FLEISCHER STUDIOS

Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his “Talkartoons” series — the world’s first animated “talkies.”  Inspired by the collective energy and style of Jazz Age flappers and entertainers of the 1920s, Betty, who starred in more than 100 cartoons, first appeared on screen as a dog-like singer in a nightclub for cartoon animals and evolved into the full-fledged human character who became the female animated screen superstar that we know and love today. She has since appeared in hit movies, television specials, and commercials, was the first cartoon character to be profiled by A&E’s Biography series and recently starred in her Broadway musical “BOOP!” Today, Mark Fleischer, Max Fleischer’s grandson and Chairman and CEO of Fleischer Studios, is well-suited to lead the continuation of the legacy due to his creative background in music, experience as a corporate executive at MGM and other companies, and a 40-plus year career as a transactional entertainment attorney.  Additionally, Fleischer Studios’ exclusive worldwide licensing agency Global Icons (globalicons.com) continues to grow the iconic Betty Boop into a worldwide merchandising and entertainment phenomenon. For more information, visit fleischerstudios.com and bettyboop.com.