Betty Boop Goes Full Horror: BOOP Movie Transforms Jazz Age Icon Into Vengeful Spirit
Betty Boop Gets Her Revenge: The Jazz Age Icon Joins the Public Domain Horror Revolution
The public domain horror wave continues its relentless march through pop culture history, and the latest beloved character to receive the blood-soaked treatment is none other than the sultry flapper herself, Betty Boop. The iconic 1930s cartoon starlet is set to trade her signature "boop-oop-a-doop" for screams of terror in the upcoming horror film simply titled BOOP.
Directed by Jared Cohn (Jailbait, Atlantic Rim) and written by Jose Prendes (Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark) and Josh Ridgway (The Flood), this latest entry in the public domain horror phenomenon promises to give the Jazz Age icon a decidedly darker edge.
From Flapper to Slasher
The film stars Devanny Pinn as the titular Boop, alongside Katisha Shaw, Spencer Breslin, Eva Hamilton, and Colton Tran. The plot follows a team of horror podcast investigators who break into an abandoned theater to uncover the hauntings of the starlet once known as Boop. What begins as a simple paranormal investigation quickly transforms into a "horrific blood bath" as they find themselves fighting to escape the murderous spirit seeking revenge.
This premise taps into something genuinely unsettling about Betty Boop's original character design and cultural context. Created by animator Max Fleischer and Grim Natwick, Betty Boop first appeared in Dave Fleischer's Dizzy Dishes in 1930, becoming a cultural phenomenon that spanned over 90 cartoons and countless merchandise collaborations.
The Dark History Behind the Icon
What sets BOOP apart from other public domain horror adaptations is its exploration of the character's genuinely troubling origins. Betty Boop's hypersexualized design and adult-oriented content were eventually censored by the Motion Picture Production Code, effectively ending her career in mainstream animation. The character's trajectory from sex symbol to sanitized cartoon reflects broader cultural anxieties about female sexuality and agency in early 20th century America.
Jessica Russo, COO of VMI Worldwide (the company bringing BOOP to the American Film Market), emphasizes this thematic depth: "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."
The Public Domain Horror Phenomenon
BOOP joins an increasingly crowded field of public domain horror adaptations that have emerged in recent years. Following the success of films like Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, filmmakers have been mining expired copyrights for recognizable characters to transform into horror villains. The list now includes:
Winnie-the-Pooh (Blood and Honey franchise)
Peter Pan (Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare)
Bambi (Bambi: The Reckoning)
Popeye (Popeye the Slayer Man)
Mickey and Minnie Mouse (Mickey's Mouse Trap, Minnie's Midnight Massacre)
Pinocchio (Pinocchio: Unstrung)
Cinderella (Cinderella's Curse)
While critics often dismiss these films as cheap cash grabs, the phenomenon reflects something deeper about our relationship with childhood nostalgia and cultural memory. These characters, once symbols of innocence and wonder, become vessels for exploring darker themes about lost innocence, corrupted childhood, and the sinister underbelly of seemingly wholesome entertainment.
A Feminist Horror Perspective
What makes BOOP particularly intriguing is its potential to address Betty Boop's complex legacy as both a symbol of female empowerment and objectification. The original character was simultaneously progressive—a sexually liberated woman who owned her desires—and problematic, designed primarily for male consumption.
Producer Jarrett Furst hints at the film's ambitious scope: "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. Get ready for a wildly violent, ridiculously fun ride… and trust me, this is only the beginning."
The Cast and Creative Team
Devanny Pinn's casting as Betty Boop is particularly inspired. Known for her work in horror films like Aladdin (2026) and various genre projects, Pinn brings both the physical presence and acting chops necessary to transform an animated character into a credible live-action threat. Her previous experience in horror suggests she understands the balance between camp and genuine menace that these adaptations require.
The supporting cast includes genre veterans and newcomers who will likely serve as both investigators and victims in the film's theater setting. The abandoned theater location provides rich atmospheric potential, evoking the golden age of entertainment while serving as a tomb for forgotten dreams and discarded starlets.
Cultural Commentary Through Horror
Beyond the surface-level thrills, BOOP has the potential to serve as commentary on how society treats female performers, particularly those who challenge conventional morality. Betty Boop's real-world trajectory—from celebrated icon to censored relic—mirrors the experiences of countless women in entertainment who were built up and then torn down by the very system that created them.
The horror genre has always been particularly effective at exploring themes of female rage and revenge, from Carrie to Jennifer's Body. BOOP could continue this tradition while adding layers of historical and cultural critique about the treatment of women in early Hollywood and animation.
The Future of Public Domain Horror
As more characters enter the public domain each year, the trend shows no signs of slowing. The success of these films, regardless of critical reception, demonstrates a hunger for familiar characters reimagined through a horror lens. They tap into the uncanny valley of childhood nostalgia, transforming comfort into terror.
While some dismiss these adaptations as derivative, the best examples use their source material as a springboard for genuine social commentary and creative horror filmmaking. Whether BOOP will join the ranks of effective public domain horror or simply add to the pile of forgettable cash grabs remains to be seen.
Looking Ahead
With production recently wrapped and VMI Worldwide shopping the film at the American Film Market, BOOP is positioned to capitalize on the continued interest in public domain horror. The film's emphasis on feminist themes and its exploration of Betty Boop's complex cultural legacy suggest it may offer more substance than typical entries in the subgenre.
As producer Furst teases, "this is only the beginning," suggesting BOOP could be the start of a larger franchise or shared universe of public domain horror characters. In an era where intellectual property dominates entertainment, these films represent a fascinating inversion—taking characters that belong to everyone and transforming them into vehicles for contemporary fears and anxieties.
Whether audiences will embrace this latest addition to the public domain horror canon remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Betty Boop's "boop-oop-a-doop" will never sound quite the same again.
BOOP is currently seeking distribution following its presentation at the American Film Market. No release date has been announced.
