Jessica Rabbit made her iconic debut in the 1988 live-action/animated hybrid film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Touchstone Pictures in collaboration with Amblin Entertainment. Voiced by Kathleen Turner for speaking lines (uncredited in the original release) and Amy Irving for singing, Jessica is depicted as a voluptuous toon human with cascading red hair, striking green eyes, and an exaggerated hourglass figure, most famously attired in a form-fitting, sparkling red sequined gown with purple gloves. She serves as the devoted wife of the frantic toon star Roger Rabbit and performs as a sultry nightclub singer at the Ink and Paint Club in the film's 1947 Los Angeles setting, though the character concept originates from Gary K. Wolf's 1981 novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, where her portrayal differs significantly.
Jessica's character is defined by her glamorous, seductive exterior, which often leads to misconceptions about her morality, yet she possesses unwavering loyalty, sharp intelligence, and moral integrity. Frequently misjudged due to her provocative appearance and mannerisms, she emphatically asserts her innocence with the memorable line, "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." In the narrative, she becomes entangled in a blackmail scheme when photographed in a compromising position with Marvin Acme, prompting suspicions of infidelity that drive much of the plot's intrigue.
Throughout the film, Jessica demonstrates courage and resourcefulness, actively assisting private detective Eddie Valiant in exposing Judge Doom's conspiracy to destroy Toontown. Her actions underscore her deep affection for Roger, whom she loves because he makes her laugh, revealing layers of devotion beneath her alluring facade. Following the film, Jessica appeared in three theatrical shorts—Tummy Trouble (1989), Roller Coaster Rabbit (1990), and Trail Mix-Up (1993)—as well as comics and Disney theme park attractions, cementing her enduring legacy as a complex, empowering figure in animation known for subverting expectations of femme fatale tropes.