Fans have been left divided shortly after it was revealed that an upcoming Betty Boop film is in the works with Quinta Brunson set to portray the iconic animated character.
The 36-year-old actress, who has gained recognition for her Emmy-winning role in Abbott Elementary, is developing the new project with Mark Fleischer, the grandson of Max Fleischer who created the character, per Variety.
Betty Boop embodied a flapper from the Jazz Age and was designed by Grim Natwick at the request of Fleischer. The caricature’s first appearance was in the Talkartoon series in 1930.
Brunson reflected on the character’s ‘impact’ over the decades and said in a statement: ‘Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche.’
After meeting with Fleischer’s grandson, the star explained that she ‘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.’
Fans have been left divided shortly after it was revealed that an upcoming Betty Boop film is in the works with Quinta Brunson, 36, set to portray the iconic animated character; seen earlier this month in NYC
The actress is developing the new project with Mark Fleischer, the grandson of Max Fleischer who created the character in 1930, per Variety
Mark also shared that he had been ‘breathtaken’ over the ‘unique concept of a movie about the relationship of my grandfather, Max Fleischer, and his creation, Betty Boop.’
Her further reflected on Brunson’s upcoming portrayal of the beloved animated character.
‘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 premise of the film will follow ‘the origin and evolution of Betty Boop’ through Fleischer’s eyes, per Variety.
It will also take a closer look at ‘the relationship between the artist and his creation as he navigates the creative and commercial pressures of building one of the world’s first animated icons, particularly as that icon begins to take on a life of its own.’
Social media users quickly jumped over to X to share their thoughts on the forthcoming film adaptation.
One penned, ‘Another movie to skip. No need to revive this character,’ and another typed, ‘I’m sure this will go over well.’
‘This isn’t about race. It’s about whether a live action Betty Boop should exist at all. Some characters are cartoons for a reason,’ a fan wrote.
Brunson reflected on the character’s ‘impact’ over the decades and said in a statement: ‘Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche’; seen in April in NYC
Mark also shared that he had been ‘breathtaken’ over the ‘unique concept of a movie about the relationship of my grandfather, Max Fleischer, and his creation, Betty Boop’
Social media users quickly jumped over to X to share their thoughts on the forthcoming film adaptation
Another shared, ‘pretty good casting but for the love of god keep the animated characters animated.’
‘Good luck to the studio,’ an X user added, and one commented, ‘The resemblance is uncanny, or something.’
A fan also said, ‘”Funny how Hollywood keeps rebooting old characters because modern studios are terrified of taking risks on brand new icons,’ while another added, ‘Hollywood will never learn go for it I look forward to the studios losing more money.’
However, others had a differing reaction to the adaptation, with some calling Brunson’s casting as Betty Boop ‘perfect.’
One penned, ‘This is going to be really interesting modern take on an iconic character,’ and another typed, ‘love this casting choice! she’s so expressive and has such a cute disposition. perfect for betty.’
‘Actually perfect,’ a fan simply wrote while one shared, ‘The fact that the creator’s grandson is involved gives me hope this won’t feel like another lazy reboot.’
Another wrote that Brunson’s ‘got the charisma, comedic timing, and creativity to make a classic character feel fresh without losing the original charm.
‘And the fact that it’s being developed with the creator’s grandson makes it feel like they genuinely want to respect the legacy too,’ they added.
Betty Boop was first seen in the Talkartoon series in 1930 and had originally been voiced by Margie Hines.
Over the years, the character has also been voiced by other stars such as Mae Questel, Ann Rothschild, Bonnie Poe and Cindy Robinson.
The character was notably featured in around 127 theatrical cartoons from 1930 through 1939.
Last year, Boop! The Musical hit Broadway with Jasmine Amy Rogers playing the role of Betty Boop.
The caricature has become a fan-favorite over the years and landed a spot on TV Guide’s 50 greatest cartoon characters of all time in 2002.
Earlier this year in January, Betty Boop officially became a part of the public domain.
Over the years, the character has also been voiced by other stars such as Mae Questel, Ann Rothschild, Bonnie Poe and Cindy Robinson; Questel seen above in 1930
The character was notably featured in around 127 theatrical cartoons from 1930 through 1939
Brunson jumped to her main Instagram page on Wednesday to share the casting news and penned to her followers: ‘excited to bring this story to life #bettyboop’
Fleischer not only brought Betty Boop to the screen, but other characters such as Superman, Popeye and Koko The Clown.
Fleischer Studios and Fifth Chance’s head of creative affairs, Erin Wehrenberg, are also attached to the forthcoming project.
Further casting details and a set release date have yet to be announced.
Brunson jumped to her main Instagram page on Wednesday to share the casting news and penned to her followers: ‘excited to bring this story to life #bettyboop.’
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