Eva Longoria’s feature film Flamin’ Hot wraps production! According to Searchlight Pictures, the movie produced by DeVon Franklin for Franklin Entertainment with a script by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez is ready.
Flamin’ Hot will tell 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.
“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 in a press release. “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.”
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).
“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).
Get to know the cast of Flamin’ Hot
© GettyImagesDennis Haysbert
Dennis Haysbert (“Clarence Baker”) has appeared in numerous film and television projects, including Love Field, Far From Heaven, Absolute Power, Major League, Heat, and Waiting to Exhale. He is known for his television work on the series 24, as well as his unmistakable voice on the opening credits of NBC’s Meet the Press. He has been the spokesperson for Allstate since 2003.
© GettyImagesEmilio Rivera
Emilio Rivera (“Vacho Montañez”) has appeared in notable films, including Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic, David Ayer’s Street Kings, and Michael Mann’s Collateral. He can be seen in F. Gary Gray’s A Man Apart and the blockbuster film Venom. Rivera is perhaps best known for playing the starring role of Marcus Alvarez on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, and its spin-off, Mayans M.C. Rivera’s decision to learn from his past and pursue his passion has led to continued success and a promise of more to come in the future.
© GettyImagesTony Shalhoub
Tony Shalhoub (“Roger Enrico”) is a celebrated actor of stage, screen, and television, having appeared in numerous award-winning programs including Monk, Wings, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, as well as the films Galaxy Quest, Men in Black, Barton Fink, The Man Who Wasn’t There, and The Siege. He has been awarded four Primetime Emmy Awards, six Screen Actors Guild awards, a Golden Globe award, and a Tony award for his stage work in The Band’s Visit.
© GettyImagesMatt Walsh
Matt Walsh (“Lonny Mason”) starred in HBO’s award-winning comedy series Veep, for which he received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He can also be heard opposite Kevin Bacon on the scripted comedy podcast The Last Degree of Kevin Bacon. Walsh is a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade. In addition to his film and TV work, Walsh is a charitable founder of Gender Nation. This organization empowers children through access to stories that demonstrate all genders and sexualities.
© GettyImagesPepe Serna
Pepe Serna (“Abuelito”) has appeared in many film and television roles for over 30 years in the business, including such iconic films as Scarface, American Me, and Silverado, and in television series including The Rockford Files, Kojak, CHiPs, Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, and Cagney & Lacey.
© GettyImagesFabian Alomar
Fabian Alomar (“Pablito”) appears as himself in the hit Mitu series Cholos Try. He has also appeared in the series Mayans M.C., Joy, and Southland.
© GettyImagesMario Ponce
Mario Ponce (“Diego”) appears as himself in the hit Mitu series Cholos Try. Other credits include the series Gentefied and How to Be Broke.
