Quinta Brunson says her Betty Boop movie remains in development — and the story will reach well beyond the animated character herself.

During an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America, the Abbott Elementary creator and star offered a carefully guarded update on the film, which she is developing and will star in. Brunson described the project as “a really incredible movie,” but emphasized that it is still “in process right now,” limiting what she could reveal.

What she did share points to a broader and potentially unexpected approach to Betty Boop’s screen story.

“I think the story will be unlike anything anyone expects,” Brunson said. “It’s not just about Betty herself but an era of animation.”

Betty Boop’s creation is central to Brunson’s interest

Asked by GMA host Robin Roberts why she wanted to make a movie about Betty Boop, Brunson focused on the circumstances surrounding the character’s origins rather than simply her familiar animated persona.

“It was the story about her creation, honestly,” Brunson explained. “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 did not provide further story or character details, leaving the movie’s precise narrative under wraps. Her comments nevertheless establish that the film is intended to examine both Betty Boop and the larger period of animation connected to the character’s creation.

The project is being made with Fleischer Studios, which owns the animated character created by Max Fleischer. Brunson’s Fifth Chance Productions is also producing the movie.

Brunson’s expanding animation slate

The Betty Boop film arrives amid several animation-related projects for Brunson. She recently voiced Dr. Fuzzby in Disney’s Zootopia 2, and she will next be heard as Sherri in the upcoming animated movie The Cat in the Hat.

Set to open in theaters on Nov. 6, The Cat in the Hat features Brunson as the human resources director at the I.I.I.I., short for the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC.

She shares the voice cast with Bill Hader, who plays the Cat in the Hat, as well as Matt Berry, Xochitl Gómez, Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera, Tiago Martinez, Bowen Yang, Paula Pell and Titus Burgess.

Brunson is also continuing her live-action television work on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, which entered its sixth season earlier this month. She stars in the series in addition to serving as its creator.

ShowBiz Take

Brunson’s first meaningful hints about the Betty Boop movie suggest this will not be a straightforward character showcase. By placing the character’s creation, a wider era of animation and elements of American history at the center of her tease, she is signaling a film with a broader scope than audiences may anticipate.

That distinction matters because Brunson is not merely attached as the star. She is developing the project, while her Fifth Chance Productions is producing alongside Fleischer Studios. Her comments indicate that the creative focus is already clear even though the production is not yet at a stage where she can disclose the full premise.

For now, the most intriguing part of the update is also its biggest unanswered question: exactly how Betty Boop’s creation will connect to the larger historical story Brunson wants to tell.

What Happens Next?

The Betty Boop movie remains in process, and Brunson has not announced additional plot details or other cast information. As development continues with Fleischer Studios and Fifth Chance Productions, audiences will have to wait to learn how the film will bring together Betty Boop, animation history and the wider American story Brunson referenced.

Before then, Brunson’s next confirmed animated role will arrive in theaters when The Cat in the Hat opens Nov. 6.