Betty Boop Goes Bloodthirsty: The Iconic Flapper Gets a Horror Movie

The classic 1930s character is trading her catchy tunes for terrifying screams in Boop, the latest film to turn beloved cartoons into nightmares.

TL;DR: Quick Bites

• Betty Boop is starring in a new horror film titled Boop, where she's reimagined as a vengeful killer.
• The movie is currently being introduced to buyers at the American Film Market by VMI Worldwide.
• It joins a growing list of public domain characters getting dark, bloody horror re-imaginings.

Remember Betty Boop? The sassy, jazz-age icon with the signature "Boop-Oop-a-Doop" catchphrase, charming audiences since the 1930s? Well, get ready for a completely different side of her, because she's about to unleash pure horror.

That's right, the beloved pin-up doll is the latest classic cartoon character to undergo a bloodcurdling transformation. The upcoming indie film, simply titled Boop, is described as "a re-imagining of 1930s cartoon icon Betty Boop, told through a genre lens," according to Variety. And if the initial blood-soaked first look is anything to go by, showing a cartoonish Betty sniffing intestines, this won't be your grandma's Betty.

The Spooky Surge of Public Domain Characters in Horror Films

This isn't the first time a childhood favorite has taken a sinister turn. This trend really picked up steam with 2023's Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, which saw Pooh and Piglet become monstrous killers after their friend Christopher Robin abandoned them. Since then, we've seen Aladdin, Popeye, Mickey Mouse (the Steamboat Willie version), Bambi, Peter Pan, and even Cinderella slated for horror makeovers.

The reason for this sudden influx? Many of these early characters are entering the public domain. This means their original versions are no longer protected by copyright, allowing filmmakers to create new, unauthorized iterations without needing studio permission. It's a gold rush for horror creators looking to capitalize on nostalgia with a terrifying twist.

Unveiling the Gruesome Details of Betty Boop's Bloody Revenge

So, what's Boop all about? The story follows a team of horror podcast investigators who break into an abandoned theater, hoping to uncover the hauntings related to a Hollywood starlet known as Boop. However, their simple investigation quickly spirals into a horrific bloodbath as they find themselves fighting for survival against the murderous Boop, who is quite literally out for revenge.

The film boasts a creative team ready to bring this dark vision to life. Jared Cohn, known for directing films like Jailbait and Atlantic Rim, is at the helm. The script comes from the minds of Jose Prendes (Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark) and Josh Ridgway (The Flood).

Here's a look at the core cast:

• Devanny Pinn as Boop (the killer Betty Boop)
• Katisha Shaw
• Spencer Breslin
• Eva Hamilton
• Colton Tran

Furst Class Productions is behind the film, with Jarrett Furst, Katisha Shaw, Devanny Pinn, and Jessica Russo serving as producers. VMI Worldwide is handling world sales and introducing Boop to buyers at the American Film Market (AFM). Source: Deadline, "VMI Worldwide Takes ‘Boop,’ Horror Take On Classic Betty Boop Cartoon, To American Film Market", Nov 11, 2025

"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 Jessica Russo, COO of VMI. "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."

— Jessica Russo, COO of VMI Worldwide

Producer Jarrett Furst echoed this excitement: "When I learned this cartoon was entering the public domain, I knew there was something special waiting to happen... Get ready for a wildly violent, ridiculously fun ride… and trust me, this is only the beginning." Source: Bloody Disgusting, "New Horror Film Features Devanny Pinn as a Homicidal Betty Boop", Nov 11, 2025

Why Betty Boop's Horror Makeover Might Actually Work Exceptionally Well

While some public domain horror adaptations feel like a stretch (a murderous Bambi, for instance), Betty Boop's dive into the genre actually feels strangely fitting. Betty has always existed on the boundary between innocence and suggestion, a flirtatious icon of 1930s jazz-age glamour. There's an inherent "uncanny" quality to her, a cartoon character designed to be alluring yet innocent.

Translating that into horror, particularly with a haunted theater setting and a tale of a fallen star seeking revenge, makes a lot of sense. It evokes classic gothic horror tropes, like Phantom of the Opera, but with a unique animated twist. It's less about twisting a character into something they're not, and more about amplifying an existing, slightly unsettling aspect of her persona.

For example, imagine a group of film students, inspired by chilling urban legends, daring each other to spend a night in the crumbling 'Grand Palace Theater,' rumored to be haunted by a starlet who mysteriously vanished. They set up their mics, hoping for eerie sounds, only to find the starlet herself, a distorted, vengeful echo of her glamorous past, waiting in the shadows. That's the vibe Boop seems to be aiming for.

Navigating the Nuances of Public Domain and Market Saturation

It's important to remember that the "public domain" isn't a single, all-encompassing event. For Betty Boop, only her earliest shorts from 1930, like Dizzy Dishes, Barnacle Bill, Accordion Joe, and Mysterious Mose, officially enter the public domain in January 2026. This means filmmakers need to be careful to use only the version of the character as she appeared in those specific initial works, avoiding any elements from later, still-copyrighted appearances. Source: GamesRadar+, "Move over Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop is getting her own horror movie – and its first look is disgustingly bloody", Nov 12, 2025

Additionally, while the public domain horror trend is exciting, it also faces a potential challenge: market saturation. With so many classic characters getting similar treatment, there's a risk of audience fatigue. Will Boop manage to stand out from the growing crowd of killer childhood icons? The producers' emphasis on Betty's "dark history" and the film's "feminist undertones" suggest they are attempting to carve out a unique niche within this burgeoning subgenre.

What to Expect from This Ghoulish Glamour

While a release date for Boop isn't available yet, the film's presence at the American Film Market signals that it's actively seeking distribution. Its unique premise, combined with the established trend of public domain horror, means it's definitely one to keep an eye on.

If executed well, Boop could be more than just a novelty. It could leverage the character's intrinsic qualities to deliver a genuinely unsettling horror experience that blends vintage charm with modern scares. The ambition to tell a story of "power reclamation" through a "predominantly female team" also suggests a narrative depth that might elevate it beyond simple slasher fare.

Practical Takeaways for Horror Fans

• Get ready for a radically reimagined Betty Boop unlike anything you've seen before.
• The film taps into a rising trend of classic characters entering the public domain and getting horror makeovers.
• Keep an eye out for official announcements regarding its release date and distribution platforms.
• Expect a unique blend of vintage glamour and modern horror, potentially with a deeper, revenge-driven narrative.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Boop

Q: When will Boop be released? A: An official release date for Boop has not been announced yet. The film is currently being introduced to buyers at the American Film Market.

Q: Where can I watch Boop? A: Release platforms (theatrical, streaming, VOD) are unknown at this time, as the film is still seeking distribution deals.

Q: What is the rating for Boop? A: No official rating has been announced, but descriptions like "blood-soaked" and "wildly violent" strongly suggest it will receive an R-rating.

Q: Is this the first time Betty Boop has been a horror character? A: Yes, while Betty Boop has appeared in countless cartoons, comics, Movies, and TV shows since her debut in 1930, Boop marks her first official foray into the horror genre.

Sources:

• Variety: "Betty Boop Horror Movie 'Boop' Revealed at AFM" (General news mention across articles)
• Deadline: "VMI Worldwide Takes ‘Boop,’ Horror Take On Classic Betty Boop Cartoon, To American Film Market" by Zac Ntim (Nov 11, 2025)
• GamesRadar+: "Move over Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop is getting her own horror movie – and its first look is disgustingly bloody" by Megan Garside (Nov 12, 2025)
• Bloody Disgusting: "New Horror Film Features Devanny Pinn as a Homicidal Betty Boop" by Tyler Doupe' (Nov 11, 2025)
• FANGORIA: "BOOP Is The Latest Classic Cartoon Character To Be Put Through The Horror Wringer" by Amber T (General news mention across articles)