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Flamin' Hot Cheetos Creator Richard Montañez's Biopic Wraps Production with Director Eva Longoria
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- Category: Movie News
- Published: Monday, 30 August 2021 17:21
Eva Longoria's feature film directorial debut, FLAMIN' HOT wrapped production in New Mexico last week. The film is based on Richard Montañez's rise from janitor to a marketing executive at Frito-Lay company and helped turn the Flamin' Hot Cheetos into a global phenomenon. The film stars Jesse Garcia (Snowfall) as Monañex, Dennis Haysbert, Emilio Rivera, Tony Shalhoub, Pepe Serna and others.
FLAMIN' HOT marks Eva Longoria's directorial debut, but the actress turned director has been helming television projects. Check out the press release for more information about the new Searchlight movie.
Press ReleaseLos Angeles, CA, August 23, 2021 - Searchlight Pictures announced today the completion of principal photography on Eva Longoria’s feature film FLAMIN’ HOT. Produced by DeVon Franklin for Franklin Entertainment with a script by Lewis Colick (October Sky) and Linda Yvette Chávez (Gentefied), FLAMIN’ HOT is the inspiring 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. Previously announced stars Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera) and Annie Gonzalez (Gentefied) headline the cast as Richard and Judy Montañez. Rounding out the ensemble of stage and screen actors: Dennis Haysbert (Far From Heaven), Emilio Rivera (Venom), Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Matt Walsh (Veep), Pepe Serna (Scarface), Bobby Soto (Narcos), Jimmy Gonzales (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), and TikTok sensation Brice Gonzalez. Also joining the cast are Vanessa Martinez (Warrior), Fabian Alomar (Cholos Try), Mario Ponce (Cholos Try), and Hunter Jones (Gotham). Production recently wrapped in New Mexico.
"I’m so honored to have led this team in telling a beautiful story where people can see themselves in these characters and are inspired by the endless beauty and talent that is so rich in our community,” said Longoria. “Every day we were on set, I was reminded again and again by our amazing cast and crew that our community is smart, creative, and endlessly talented.”
“Eva and DeVon came to Searchlight with a powerhouse pitch, a singular vision, and a deep passion for this exhilarating story of entrepreneurship. We are thrilled to bring this film to audiences everywhere.” said Searchlight Pictures’ Presidents Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum.
“From the moment I found Richard Montañez’s story, I was inspired by his sheer determination to succeed against all odds. I’m equally inspired by our cast, crew and visionary director Eva Longoria’s unwavering commitment to bring the production of his amazing story to life.” said Franklin.
Longoria and Franklin have assembled a team of diverse, talented craftspeople including Director of Photography Federico Cantini (Give or Take); Casting Director Carla Hool (Narcos), Production Designers Brandon Mendez (Black Is King) and Cabot McMullen (Super Troopers 2); Costume Designer Elaine Montalvo (A Better Life); and Editor Liza D. Espinas (Vida). FLAMIN’ HOT is being overseen by Searchlight Pictures’ Senior Vice President Production Taylor Friedman and Director of Development Zahra Phillips.