The failure of PUDSEY THE DOG hasn’t dampened Simon Cowell’s cinematic ambitions – for his next project he will team up with the animators of THE LEGO MOVIE and Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring back Betty Boop. Best described as Marilyn Monroe if she were sister to Frank Sidebottom, Boop debuted in 1930 and has cropped up in various films over the decades, such as 1988’s WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. Cowell’s take appears to be along similar lines with the new movie pitched as “a music-driven hybrid animated comedy”. He released the following statement:
“Betty is an icon, and one of the biggest stars in the world – I’m thrilled to be working with her… Betty, I hope you’re going to be a good girl!””
The famously uptight record mogul should be fine on the soundtrack front, but this latest star may be a bit too much of a curveball for his Syco empire. Luckily he’s working alongside Animal Logic, who in addition to moving little coloured bricks around have HAPPY FEET and 300 on their CV. The astonishingly-named Jason Lust spoke in behalf of the company, who also have the backing of license holders and animation legends Fleischer Studios:
“I’ve been trying to get Betty to the dance for years now. Can’t believe she’s finally said ‘Yes.’”
All this vaguely creepy waxing lyrical should hopefully result in an entertaining romp, though the implication she’ll be placed in a modern context may misfire. As for the voice of Betty, well Christina Hendricks is surely a shoo in, though Cowell’s chequebook can buy a range of A List talent. The film is set to open in 2016.
Sources: Variety, The Guardian
