Hold on to your hats, folks, because the world of classic cartoons is about to get a whole lot darker! You heard that right: Betty Boop, the iconic flapper girl, is getting a horror movie makeover. Following in the footsteps of other public domain characters like Winnie-the-Pooh and Mickey Mouse, Betty is ready to haunt your nightmares.
Variety reports that VMI Worldwide is introducing this chilling reimagining at the American Film Market. Furst Class Productions is taking the lead, promising a fresh take on the beloved 1930s cartoon star.
But here's where it gets interesting: the film's premise involves a team of horror podcast investigators who stumble into an abandoned theater, only to uncover the horrifying hauntings of the starlet herself. Their investigation quickly turns into a bloodbath as they fight for their lives against a vengeful Betty Boop.
Devanny Pinn is set to embody the new, terrifying Boop, joined by Katisha Shaw, Spencer Breslin, Eva Hamilton, and Colton Tran. The film will be directed by Jared Cohn, from a script penned by Jose Prendes and Josh Ridgway. Pinn and Shaw are also producing, alongside Jarrett Furst and Jessica Russo.
Jessica Russo, VMI COO, shared her excitement, stating, “Getting your classic cartoon told as a horror film is still mind-blowing, but what sets Boop apart from all the other horror IPs is her motivation. Boop’s dark history is extremely grim, but this telling allows her to get her power back. A true testament to feminism led by a predominantly female team.”
Jarrett Furst added, “When I learned this cartoon was entering the public domain, I knew there was something special waiting to happen. This team—brimming with extraordinary talent both in front of and behind the camera—absolutely blew me away. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Get ready for a wildly violent, ridiculously fun ride… and trust me, this is only the beginning.”
And this is the part most people miss... Betty Boop, created by Max Fleischer and Grim Natwick, first graced our screens in 1930. Since then, she's become a pop culture staple, appearing in countless cartoons, comics, movies, TV shows, and even a Broadway musical.
This is a bold move, transforming a beloved character into a figure of horror. What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a creative twist, or a desecration of a classic? Share your opinions in the comments below!
