Emmy-winning Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson has shared new insight into her upcoming Betty Boop feature film, teasing that the project will look beyond the classic cartoon character to interrogate the wider cultural and historical forces of early 20th-century American animation. Speaking on ABC’s Good Morning America, Brunson confirmed that the project remains in active development between her Fifth Chance Productions banner and Fleischer Studios, the entity managing the intellectual property originally created by animator Max Fleischer in 1930. Brunson noted,
I think the story will be unlike anything anyone expects. It’s not just about Betty herself but an era of animation. It was the story about her creation, honestly. It’s just not that simple, and it shines a light on way more than you would ever think in America’s history. So it’s really cool.
Brunson is set to star in and produce the feature, which aims to unpack the complex, often contentious origins surrounding the flapper icon—including the historical artistic crossroads between Harlem jazz performer Baby Esther Jones, singer Helen Kane, and Fleischer’s animators. Specific plot details, screenwriters, and a formal production timeline remain under wraps. The development update arrives as Brunson balances a dense screen slate. Her flagship workplace comedy Abbott Elementary recently launched its sixth season on ABC. On the feature animation side, Brunson voiced Dr. Fuzzby in Disney’s Zootopia 2 and is set to voice Sherri, an HR director, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, which arrives in theaters on November 6, 2026, alongside Bill Hader, Matt Berry, and America Ferrera.
Leave a Comment