This Is Pretty Perfect Betty Boop Casting

Betty Boop has been emulated by comedians and TikTok influencers alike. But Hollywood just made the best casting call by putting Quinta Brunson up for the role. Despite the obvious reason why she was chosen for the role, it seems that some people are upset about the decision.

Mark Fleischer, the grandson of Betty Boop’s creator Max Fleischer, is collaborating with Brunson’s company on the upcoming live-action movie adaptation. Mark believes that there is a deeper story to be told about the iconic flapper character created by his grandfather.

“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,” Mark told Variety regarding the casting of Quinta Brunson.

Less than a day since the casting was announced, part of the internet was already celebrating the choice. One commenter on social media said, “Hollywood finally getting casting right. That’s Betty Boop right there.”

Needless to say, if those in charge of Betty Boop don’t see a problem, then what’s the fuss?

Was Betty Boop inspired by a Black woman?

But some voices online are already saying that the upcoming project is a “waste” of money. Others are already screeching that it’s a myth that Betty Boop was based on a Black woman and are calling the situation a race swap. The movie hasn’t even come out, and yet they couldn’t help but scream “woke” all because of a casting decision. Regardless, there are clearly those who believe that the character should only be played exclusively by white people. But since when did everyone turn into Betty Boop fans? And why are they so concerned about a fictional character being portrayed as a Black woman?

Putting context aside, Quinta objectively resembles Betty Boop. Big, wide eyes, high cheekbones, pouty lips, and a curvy body—it’s a look that Quinta can easily pull off. Those who’ve grown up watching the animation would recognize her in an instant—the only difference is that she won’t have light skin.

Those who’ve criticized Fleischer Studios believe that Helen Kane, a white singer, was the inspiration behind Betty Boop. Helen Kane sued Fleischer Studios for allegedly using her likeness and singing style (her famous line, ‘Boop-Oop-a-Doop’) for Betty Boop. Max Fleischer would later admit to using Kane’s likeness as inspiration for the character. However, the singer still lost her lawsuit because her style of singing is not unique to her.

Other jazz singers like Baby Esther were known for the same scat-singing style, as explained by the studio. Kane herself has seen Baby Esther perform. Nevertheless, there is a misconception that Betty was inspired by Baby Esther. If true, it would have been horrific to base a seductive woman on a then-teenager.

It doesn’t matter

Does this mean Betty Boop should be exclusively played by a white woman? As a jazz performer, Betty Boop was also a product of other artists of the time. Her character will be brought to life by movement and singing, not just by looks.

If Quinta Brunson can pull it off, it’s all that will ever matter. Other than that, Betty Boop wasn’t a real woman. There are other things to be mad about—and it shouldn’t be because an iconic cartoon character is going to be Black in live action.

(featured image: Cult Cinema Classics)

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