Betty Boop is the latest public domain character to spawn an indie horror movie, following the likes of Winnie-the-Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Bambi, Popeye, and Aladdin.
Variety reports that Boop is being introduced to buyers at the American Film Market by VMI Worldwide.
Furst Class Productions will produce the feature, which is being described as a re-imaging of 1930s cartoon icon Betty Boop but told through a genre lens.
In the film, a team of horror podcast investigators breaks into an abandoned theater to discover the hauntings of the starlet once known as Boop. A simple investigation turns into a horrific blood bath as they fight to escape the murderous Boop, as she is out for revenge.
Devanny Pinn is set to star as Boop with Katisha Shaw, Spencer Breslin, Eva Hamilton, and Colton Tran.
Jared Cohn (Jailbait, Atlantic Rim) will direct from a script by Jose Prendes (Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark) and Josh Ridgway (The Flood).
Pinn and Shaw are producing alongside Jarrett Furst and Jessica Russo.
“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,” said VMI COO Jessica Russo. “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.”
“When I learned this cartoon was entering the public domain, I knew there was something special waiting to happen,” added Furst. “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.”
Created by Max Fleischer and Grim Natwick, Betty Boop debuted in 1930 and has gone on to appear in countless cartoons, comics, movies, TV shows, a Broadway musical, and more.
Devanny Pinn in ‘Aladdin’ (2026)