Heard about the story of Richard Montañez, the creator of created Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Mr. Montañez came up with the idea and flavor profile…only for others to try and horn in on his idea. Cool story, right? Eva Longoria thought so, and picked it as her first film as a director. The production just wrapped, and has yet to announce a release date.

Read on for the full press release after the jump!

 EVA LONGORIA’S FEATURE FILM DIRECTORIAL DEBUT “FLAMIN’ HOT” WRAPS PRODUCTION IN NEW MEXICO 

INSPIRING STORY OF MEXICAN-AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN RICHARD MONTAÑEZ FEATURES TALENTED CAST OF VETERANS AND NEWCOMERS

Los 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) andAnnie 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 ’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.

ABOUT THE CAST 

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.

Emilio Rivera (“Vacho Montañez”)has appeared in such 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. 

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. 

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, an organization which empowers children through access to stories that demonstrate all genders and sexualities. 

Pepe Serna (“Abuelito”) has appeared in many film and television roles for over 30 years in the business, including such iconic films as Scarface, AmericanMe and Silverado, and in television series including The Rockford Files, Kojak, CHiPs, Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, and Cagney & Lacey.

Bobby Soto (“Tony Romero”)just finished shooting the upcoming season of Netflix’s Narcos, created and developed by Jose Padilha and Eric Newman.  Most recently, he was seen in Scott Teems’ The Quarry, opposite Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham. Additionally, Bobby played the lead of David Ayer’s film The Tax Collector.  

Jimmy Gonzales (“Hector Morales”)can be seen starring opposite Dennis Quaid in Netflix’s Blue Miracle and as a recurring guest star on FX’s Mayans M.C.for the past two seasons. Other TV credits include roles on AMC’s Lodge 49 and The Walking Dead, The CW’s Containment, NBC’s Game of Silence and David E. Kelley’s Mr. Mercedes. Recent feature film credits include supporting roles in Godzilla: King of Monsters and Scott Teems The Quarry opposite Michael Shannon and Shea Whigham. 

Brice Gonzalez (“Steven Montañez”)is a 6 year old social media and acting prodigy. He and his father Randy are collectively known as the Enkyboys on TikTok and Instagram. They do lip sync recreations of famous movie scenes, viral dances and an assortment of endearing and hilarious skits that have garnered over 10 Million followers. 

Vanessa Martinez (“Concha Montañez”) has appeared in a variety of films including Warrior, McFarland, USA, and Lone Star, as well as the series Dirty John, The Rookie, and 9-1-1. 

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. 

Mario Ponce (“Diego”) appears as himself in the hit mitu series Cholos Try. Other credits include the series Gentefied and How to Be Broke. 

Hunter Jones (“Lucky Montañez”) has appeared on hit shows including Gotham, Chicago P.D., and Manifest.

ABOUT SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES 

Searchlight Pictures is a global specialty film company that develops, produces, finances and acquires motion pictures for both worldwide theatrical and streaming releases. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and is part of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. Founded in 1994 as Fox Searchlight Pictures, the company’s titles have grossed over $5 billion worldwide, amassing 28 Golden Globe Awards, 49 BAFTA awards, and 43 Academy Awards including five Best Picture winners since 2009: Slumdog Millionaire, 12 Years a Slave, Birdman, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland. Searchlight and Hulu recently released Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s award-winning documentary feature Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) in partnership with Disney’s Onyx Collective. Upcoming releases include David Bruckner’s The Night House, Michael Showalter’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Scott Cooper’s Antlers, Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, and Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins. The company includes Searchlight Television, which develops and produces series for streaming, network, and cable partners.