How does a popular product connect to a seemingly impossible dream? “Flamin’ Hot” presents the true story of one man’s quest to rethink snacking. Janitor Richard Montañez knew Cheetos could be reintroduced with a satisfying kick; all it took was making those in charge believe someone outside the corporate structure.
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The project hails from Eva Longoria; the actress may be known for her contributions in front of the camera but she’s no stranger to directing — her credits include work on “Gordita Chronicles,” Why Women Kill,” and “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.” The Playlist noted Longoria’s callbacks to previous work after the ‘Flamin’ premiere earlier this year. “These comedic flourishes seem like a natural evolution of Longoria’s work in sitcoms, seeking out moments of visual comedy and not relying only on dialogue for humor,” wrote Matthew Monagle.
While the truth behind the story has been disputed, Longoria harkens back to the man behind the myth. “We’ve never set out to tell the history of the Cheeto,” she told a SXSW panel. “ I don’t know if you guys would show up for that movie. This is the history of Richard Montañez, which happened to have a really big hand in the launch of this product.”
The film’s official synopsis:
“Flamin’ Hot is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez, the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn the iconic Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon.”
Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera, Dennis Haysbert, Tony Shalhoub, and Matt Walsh star in “Flamin’ Hot.” The Searchlight Pictures film debuts on Hulu and Disney+ June 9. Get your first look at the trailer below.