Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson is developing a ‘Betty Boop’ movie and will star in the lead role. However, some critics call this a “race swap” since Betty Boop has historically been portrayed as a white woman. But the character’s origins and influences include significant contributions from Black artists, making Brunson a fitting choice for the role.

Created in 1930 by Max Fleischer, the character quickly became a symbol of liberation during the depression era and one of the most iconic figures in 20th-century pop culture. Although Helen Kane is widely speculated to have inspired Betty Boop, her performances were directly influenced by Black artists, notably Esther Jones, also known as ‘Baby Esther’, a young African American performer celebrated at Harlem’s Cotton Club. This connection provides context for the ongoing discussion about Betty Boop’s cultural legacy.

In 1932, Fleischer revealed during a lawsuit that Kane’s style was actually inspired by Baby Esther, identifying her as a foundational figure in Betty Boop’s history. Choosing Brunson to play Betty Boop highlights this connection, and Brunson has expressed feeling deeply connected to the character. This casting offers a chance to share the character’s diverse history with wider audiences, and I, for one, cannot wait to see a new interpretation of Betty Boop that acknowledges the character’s often overlooked cultural influences.