[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”28777″ img_size=”750×403″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I’ve stained my fingers red many times eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. On those occasions, I never thought about where the idea for them came from. I assumed it was made in a flavor lab after some executives came up with the idea. I assumed wrong. Turns out the story behind the idea is far more interesting and inspirational. Fox Searchlight announced Flamin’ Hot in February of 2018 and their search for a director began. You probably thought the same thing I did when I initially read this news. A Flamin’ Hot Cheetos movie, what the hell? Coincidentally, I thought the same way about Super Size Me and it was great. Not that the two films will be anything alike. Anyway, Fox Searchlight’s search for a director that could bring this inspirational story to life is now over and Eva Longoria landed the job.
According to Deadline, Longoria, the actress, producer, and director beat out multiple directors after impressing Devon Franklin and Fox. Franklin is producing the film under his Franklin Entertainment multimedia company. As of late, Longoria has opted for producing and directing while being known more as an actress. Attached to projects such as John Wick as a producer and episodes of Black-ish and Jane the Virgin as a director, I suspect she will do an amazing job.
The biopic will tell the story of Richard Montañez, the son of Mexican immigrants who parlayed his janitor job at Frito-Lay into creating one of America’s favorite snacks. He later became a top executive at Pepsico. According to WP, Montañez became motivated after seeing a company-wide video of the CEO of Frito-Lay, Roger Enrico saying, “…make the company better.” He then took home some cheese-less corn puffs from work and seasoned them. Inspired by his roots, he wondered if he could season them like vendors season elote, Mexican street corn. If you’re not familiar, elote consists of corn on the cob covered in chili powder, lime, butter, and cheese. Delicious! Furthermore, after successfully making a batch for friends he decided to call the CEO and pitched his idea. Enrico told him to present his new idea in two weeks and it was a hit. Soon after, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos were born. “Shoot your shot” is the motto I live my life by and that’s definitely what Montañez did.
This is an amazing story and I can’t wait to see how Eva Longoria translates it to the big screen. At this time there has been no casting or a release date. We’ll keep you updated. Do you love Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
