On January 1, 2026, these figures who fondly represent our culture will officially be in the public domain— Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Blondie and more. What a huge cultural change this is! This new milestone encourages creators to transform and utilize Betty Boop’s likeness in innovative ways. It is the first time in animation history that such a thing has happened.
Betty Boop, an early anthropomorphic character who has enchanted audiences since her creation in the 1920s, was originally designed as a dog. She changed into a flapper idol throughout the Jazz Age, taking her cue from many others, including singer Helen Kane. Kane, best known for her “Boop-Oop-a-Doop” catchphrase, had a large hand in creating Betty’s distinct personality. Her signature tune from 1929 soon became inextricably associated with the beloved little animated character. In many ways, Kane’s general ownership of the character was the impetus for her ultimately doomed legal fight against the company itself.
The first appearance of Betty Boop was in the 1930 short film “Dizzy Dishes.” In this short, she stamped her mark on animation with a sexy song-and-dance number while clad in a form-fitting little black dress. All the way back at this very first outing, Betty is already all there, fully formed as the flapper persona that would come to characterize her character.
“It’s fascinating how Betty Boop encapsulated the fragility that was between the two wars and the depths of the Great Depression,” noted Jennifer Jenkins, an expert in animation history. This cultural moment and historical environment helped to define Betty and contribute to her legacy and overwhelming popularity.
Curiously, the character didn’t even make her public debut until the 1928 animated short “Steamboat Willie.” This film was a watershed moment, not just for Betty, but for animation and women in general. Betty Boop, one of our most beloved cultural treasures, will soon be celebrating as her early cartoons go public domain. This alteration follows the passing of the 95-year U.S. copyright ceiling.
Now that she has entered the public domain, artists are encouraged to use and create new works featuring Betty Boop in any way they see fit. Ideas for new stories and interpretations abound. One whimsical suggestion was that “she was bitten by a radioactive dog, that’s why she had this weird backstory.”
In truth, the character’s legacy is invigorated and unpredictable. She stands proudly among international and timeless characters like Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh, both of which are similarly enjoying public domain status. The potential to use characters like this creates opportunities for imagination and new storytelling across different types of media.
Betty Boop’s popularity skyrocketed through the Jazz Age. With her hoots and whistles, she defined the mood of the 20s with her memorable catch phrases, most famously the exuberant “Boop boop, a doop.” Her impact is still visible through the generations, influencing countless interpretations on screen, and in comics.
Artists are delving into the possibilities of this new, imaginative take on this celebrated character. Specifically, they will probably take inspirations from her flourishing past, especially from famous musical numbers by unparalleled creator George Gershwin. Hits like “Embraceable You” and “I’ve Got a Crush on You” create a lush musical landscape, inviting you to escape, tap your feet, and dream. These songs perfectly reflect Betty’s journey.
With Betty Boop officially joining the public domain ranks this year, it’s a thrilling time for creators and fans to share in her legacy. This liberty to reimagine such an influential character brings new vibrancy to her rich history. That’s what ensures she’ll keep resonating with new audiences for decades to come.
