Winnie-the-Pooh, Peter Pan, Bambi, Popeye, Mickey AND Minnie Mouse... the public domain wave shows no signs of stopping down, with Betty Boop the latest beloved cartoon character to be put through the horror wringer with BOOP.
From director Jared Cohn and writer Josh Ridgway, BOOP is headed to the American Film Market via VMI Worldwide, according to Deadline who broke the news earlier today.
Starring Katisha Shaw, Spencer Breslin, Eva Hamilton, Colton Tran, and Devanny Pinn as the titular Boop, the film follows:
A team of horror podcast investigators [who] break 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.
Following her first appearance in Dave Fleischer's Dizzy Dishes in 1930, Miss Boop, a flapper with a heart of gold, has become a bonafide cultural icon, appearing in over 90 cartoons and countless merch collaborations.
However, BOOP will tell a darker story. Jessica Russo, COO of VMI, had the following to say of BOOP‘s less than glamorous origins:
“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.”
Producer Jarrett Furst added:
“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. 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.”
Will BOOP nab a Best Public Domain Resurrection nomination at next year's FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards? Or even an Oscar? Only time will tell. In the words of the late, great Scott Wampler, the public domain horror movies will continue until morale improves. Stay tuned for updates as they boop-oop-a-doop in.
