Quinta Brunson Is The New Betty Boop, And The Reactions Are Unbelievably Wholesome

    “The Gen X aunties with the Betty boop tattoos are about to go upppp”

    Jada Gomez
    by Jada GomezBuzzFeedBuzzFeed Staff

    As the Managing Editor of Streaming at BuzzFeed, I cover all things entertainment, and especially love to nerd out on all things Disney.

    There's a new Betty Boop in town, and she's cute to boot!

    Person in a white polka dot satin blouse poses at an event, smiling subtly
    Jc Olivera / Getty Images

    The two-time Emmy winner (and BuzzFeed alum) will star in and develop a film about the iconic animated flapper. Her production team, Fifth Chance Productions, will partner with the grandson of Betty Boop's creator, Max Fleischer, to keep the look and feel true to the character's origins.

    Man in a suit holds a cartoon character, Betty Boop, on his hand, looking at her with interest
    © King Features Syndicate, Inc. / Fleischer Studios, Inc. / Courtesy: Everett Collection

    "Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche," Quinta shared in a statement about the new project. "She has had a quiet but undeniable impact on culture for nearly a century. ... 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.”

    Person with short, wavy hair wearing an off-the-shoulder gown and statement earrings at a formal event
    Gilbert Flores / Getty Images

    There's no news on when we can expect the film in theaters, but excitement about a modern twist on such a beloved character like Betty Boop is already brewing.

    Betty Boop cartoon character sitting on a crescent moon with a playful expression and surrounded by a vibrant backdrop
    Lmpc / Getty Images

    Some people have resurfaced the story of the Black entertainer Esther Jones from the 1920s, who has been said to have inspired the character of Betty Boop. Known as Baby Esther on stage, she would coo, "Boop boop be doop," in her performances at Harlem's Cotton Club. She even resembled Betty Boop, with her slick black hair and black minidress.

    Cartoon character with short hair and hoop earrings holds a small dog in a garden setting
    Courtesy Everett Collection

    And refreshingly, most of the reactions to Quinta playing Betty Boop are quite positive:

    "A Black Betty Boop reinterpretation could actually be really stylish and fresh if they fully lean into the jazz-era roots and classic animation aesthetic"

    Tweet suggesting a Black Betty Boop reinterpretation embracing jazz-era roots and classic animation for a fresh style
    @robysuhartono21 / Via x.com

    "Oh she is going to absolutely eat this look down. The vision is already there"

    Tweet says: "Oh she is going to absolutely eat this look down. The vision is already there."
    @edakoh_ / Via x.com

    "Quinta Brunson playing Betty Boop is historically accurate."

    Tweet expressing that Quinta Brunson playing Betty Boop is historically accurate
    @ladidaix / Via x.com

    "Developing it directly with the creator’s grandson is a massive green flag. Quinta Brunson has proven she respects the art of storytelling, so Betty Boop is in excellent hands."

    Tweet praising Quinta Brunson's storytelling skills and her involvement with Betty Boop
    @AlHuddah01 / Via x.com

    "Wait, hold on... she actually has the exact facial structure and expressive eyes needed to pull off a live-action Betty Boop perfectly. The casting directors absolutely cooked here."

    Person tweets about someone having the features to play a live-action Betty Boop, praising the casting directors
    @AlHuddah01 / Via x.com

    "The Gen X aunties with the Betty boop tattoos are about to go upppp"

    Tweet from @Purimashira: "The Gen X aunties with the Betty Boop tattoos are about to go upppp."
    @Purnimashira / Via x.com

    As the Emmy winner and Abbott Elementary creator typically never misses, pop culture lovers should be in for a real treat.

    Person in a two-tone gown with bold, contrasting sleeves poses on a red carpet at a Netflix event
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    What do you think of Quinta as the new Betty Boop? Let me know in the comments!

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