Quinta Branson to Star as Betty Boop in New Film

Hollywood appears to be revisiting its approach to representation, as producer and actor Quinta Branson is set to take on the iconic role of Betty Boop in an upcoming movie.

Betty Boop made her debut nearly a century ago, in 1930, as a white, vampiric flapper character in Fleischer Studios’ Talkatoons and subsequent films released by Paramount Pictures. Over the years, she has starred in about 90 theatrical cartoons, maintaining her popularity in both films and merchandise.

According to Variety, Mark Fleischer, the grandson of the studio’s founder, is developing the film. His plan includes casting Branson and reimagining the character as black instead of her original white portrayal.

This decision comes amid a wider trend in Hollywood, where traditional European characters have increasingly been recast to feature black, LGBTQ+, or immigrant actors. The project’s announcement has sparked discussions, particularly in light of recent reactions to similar casting choices in films like Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the ancient Greek epic, Odyssey.

The new “Boop” film will reportedly delve into the origins of the character, paying tribute to her creator, Max Fleischer, and tracing her journey as one of America’s first animated icons.

“Betty Boop is a cherished character, yet she maintains a unique charm,” Branson commented on the project. “She’s influenced culture for decades. When Erin and I met Mark and learned about his grandfather’s connection to Betty, we realized there was a richer story to tell—one that is fresh, subversive, and timeless, much like Betty herself.”

Mark Fleischer echoed Branson’s enthusiasm, noting, “Quinta captured Betty’s essence—her zest for life, intelligence, wit, and heart. Hearing about the film truly brings their connection to life.”

There is an ongoing debate surrounding the origins of the character. Some argue that Max Fleischer was inspired by the 1920s black entertainer, Baby Esther, who used the term “boop” in her performances. This claim gained traction following a PBS article in 2021 but was later corrected, clarifying that there was no evidence to support that Fleischer was aware of Baby Esther when he created Betty Boop.

Baby Esther, whose real name was Esther Lee Jones, became known for using “boop” in her scat-style performances during the 1920s and disappeared from public life by the 1930s, with little known about her later years.

Interestingly, the word “boop” was also prominently used by white singer Helen Kane, who incorporated it into her songs, most famously in her hit from 1928, “I Want to Be Loved by You,” where she sings “Boop, boop-a-doo.” Kane later sued Fleischer Studios in 1932, alleging that they had stolen Betty Boop’s persona. However, she lost the case when it was determined that she had borrowed the “Boop” trademark from Baby Esther.