Interview by Christine Thompson
FLAMIN’ HOT is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who as a Frito-Layjanitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican-American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon. Searchlight Pictures presents A Franklin Entertainment Production, FLAMIN’ HOT, the inspirational true story of Richard Montañez, screenplay by Lewis Colick (October Sky, Charlie St. Cloud) and Linda Yvette Chávez (creator/writer Genetified). The film is produced by DeVon Franklin (Miracles From Heaven, Breakthrough) and is directed by award-winning actor/director/producer Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives). The film stars Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera) as Richard, Annie Gonzalez(Gentefied) as his wife, Judy, Emilio Rivera (Son of Anarchy, High Crimes, Venom) as Richard’s father Nacho, Dennis Haysbert (Far from Heaven, 24) as Richard’s mentor, Clarence, and 4x Emmy® Award winner Tony Shalhoub (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Monk) as PepsiCo CEO Roger Enrico.
Other cast members include Matt Walsh (Veep), Bobby Soto (Narcos) and Pepe Serna (Scarface). The filmmaking crew includes Director of Photography Federico Cantini, ADF (Give or Take, Desire), Film Editors Kayla M. Emter (Hustlers), Liza D. Espinas (Starz’s Vida), Production Designers Brandon Mendez (Black is King) and Cabot McMullen (Shrinking, Super Troopers 2), and Costume Designer Elaine Montalvo (A Better Life).
Running Time: 129 minutes
Rating: PG-13
