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Betty Boop hasn't been seen in a theatrical film in almost a hundred years, but thanks to Quinta Brunson, the iconic cartoon starlet is poised to make her return to the big screen. 

As reported by Variety, Quinta Brunson, the Emmy-winning creator and star of ABC's Abbott Elementary, will develop and star in a film that 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." Maybe I just imprinted on Grant Morrison, Chaz Truog, and Doug Hazlewood's run on Animal Man like a newborn gosling, but that description alone is giving me Grant Morrison, Chaz Truog, and Doug Hazlewood's run on Animal Man vibes. (Studio executives are likely hoping it'll lean more in a direction of Greta Gerwig's Barbie, I suspect.)

Brunson's production company, Fifth Chance Productions, is partnering with the grandson of Max Fleischer, Mark Fleischer, and Fleischer Studios for the project. About this collaboration, Brunson said in a statement, "Betty Boop is one of our nation’s most beloved cartoon characters, yet somehow still remains pleasantly niche. 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."

Mark Fleischer 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."

I think it is beautiful that Brunson is working with Max Fleischer's grandson to tell the story of his grandfather and his most famous creation. Hopefully, we'll see the film come to life sooner rather than later. 

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