Abbott Elementary's Quinta Brunson Set to Star as Betty Boop in New Movie
Quinta Brunson is ready for her "boop-oop-a-doop" moment.
Variety reported that Brunson, 36, is set to star as Betty Boop in a feature film adaptation as part of her Fifth Chance Productions company. Fifth Chance Productions partnered with the grandson of Betty Boop creator, Mark Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios to create the adaptation.
According to a Wednesday, May 20, report from Variety, "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."
Brnson also gushed about the role, sharing in a statement on Wednesday, "Betty Boop is one of our nation's most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche."
The Abbott Elementary star continued, "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."
Fleischer, 57, also got candid about the upcoming film. "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," he gushed. "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 has won many awards through her career, especially for her part as Janine Teagues in Abbott Elementary, which she named after her real-life 6th-grade teacher Joyce Abbott. She's been nominated for 12 Emmys and won two. In 2023, she took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. One year prior, she was the winner of Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.
At the 2025 Emmys, she was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, as well as Outstanding Lead Actress.
Abbott Elementary also stars Janelle James, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Chris Perfetti. The show premiered on ABC in December 2021 and wrapped up its fifth season this past April. ABC already announced that the show will be renewed for a sixth season.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 4:37 PM.