An Iconic Sitcom Actress Will Be Starring as Betty Boop in a New Feature Film

Betty Boop is an icon. The cartoon, which was created by Max Fleischer in 1930, has been featured in countless films, comic strips, and pieces of merchandise since its creation. In 2025, Boop! The Musical even debuted on Broadway with music by David Foster.

Now, Betty Boop is headed to the big screen once again. Quinta Brunson, the creator of Abbot Elementary, is developing the feature film and starring as the famous character. According to Variety, this will be the character's first theatrical motion picture appearance in a starring role since the 1930s.

The outlet also shared the concept of the new movie, stating, "The film 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 the world's first animated icons, particularly as that icon begins to take on a life of its own."

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"Betty Boop is one of our nation's most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche," Brunson said. "She has had a quiet but undeniable impact on culture for nearly a century. After Erin [Wehrenberg] and I met with Mark [Fleischer] 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, the grandson of the cartoon's creator, also released a statement. He 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 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."

Brunson is an award-winning actress and writer who has won Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. Her show, Abbott Elementary, will be airing its sixth season in the fall of 2026 on ABC. It can also be streamed on Hulu or Disney+.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 2:42 PM.