DeVon Franklin's Flamin' Hot Movie about a 'Revelation That Led to a Revolution'

Movie producer DeVon Franklin has developed quite a track record in recent years for piloting several inspirationally uplifting movies in recent years. From Breakthrough, the story of a faithful mother praying for her son to come back from the brink of death to life, to The Star, an animated take on the first Christmas, to Miracles from Heaven, based on the incredible true story of the Beam family, Franklin has become the gold-standard for reliable faith-based content.

Now comes his latest project, Flamin’ Hot, a movie Franklin believes may be the most important one he has produced yet. Starring Jesse Garcia (The Avengers) and Annie Gonzalez (Shameless), Flamin’ Hot is the inspiring true story of Richard Montanez, who rose from FritoLay janitor to corporate executive by channeling his Mexican heritage into the Flaming Hot Cheeto brand which accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue.

Flamin’ Hot is directed by Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) and also stars Dennis Haysbert (24) and Tony Shalhoub (Monk).

I recently sat down with Franklin to discuss what sets Flamin’ Hot from all the other movies he has produced, the inspiring life lessons found in the movie, and why faith-based audiences will love this revelation that inspired a revolution.

For every producer, there always seems to be a trigger point, an event or something happens in your life, that says you need to make this movie! What was that for this film?

I was just so inspired by Richard Montanez’ story. And that's who Flamin’ Hot is about. And when I heard his story for the first time, I was so motivated by it. I was inspired by it. I just was in awe of who he was and what he was able to accomplish. And I just gave him my word. I said, okay, I'm going to get this done. I just felt like if it was motivating and inspiring me, then it would motivate and inspire audiences all around the world. And so that was my personal connection to it.

What is the story of Flamin’ Hot? Could you provide a thumbnail sketch specifically about what it’s about?

Flamin’ Hot is the true story of Richard Montanez, who went from being a janitor working for FritoLay to becoming one of the top executives in the company. And he did that by being the driving force behind the success of what we now know as the flaming hot brand, driven by Flaming Hot Cheetos. It was Richard's idea to take this product and market it to the Latino community, and that was essential to the product's success. And now, the Flamin’ Hot brand is a billion dollar brand. Richard worked for FritoLay for 42 years. He retired as the godfather of Latino marketing and the Flamin’ Hot movie tells his amazing true story.

You’ve produced so many great and inspiring films over the years. What is different about this one? What sets it apart?

You know, it's just the story. It's like when people see this story, we've screened this movie all around the country and all types of audiences have responded to this film. The idea of doing an inspirational film that is set in the world of a Latino family; I think it's very different and unique. I also think that the storytelling in the movie is very different and unique than the storytelling I've done before. I'm excited by this. If our early screenings are any indication, people are really going to connect with this film in a very positive way.

How was it working with the real-life Richard, in preparing for filming? Was he very particular about what he wanted to see?

It was a great experience. I really loved it. Richard is just an inspirational person. He's an inspirational man. When we met for the first time, from that moment to this, he was always encouraging, always positive. He always has a word or some saying that's going to motivate you. He's amazing. He and his wife Judy read multiple versions of the script. They came to the set multiple times. They've seen the film multiple times. They have been out in the world promoting the film. So, they really, really loved the movie. Working with him was a joy.

So many people could have directed this film but ultimately you chose Eva Longoria. Why was she the right choice for Flamin’ Hot? She is known for her acting and It is her feature film directorial debut.

She was the right choice because she came in and (took control). Iit was almost like she didn't audition to be the director. She met with me as if she already was the director. And that was a totally different point of view and tone. And her confidence was amazing. She has a master's degree in Chicano Studies, and so she brought her understanding of what the movie needed to be, historically, personally, and professionally. She just knew this movie inside and out, and that's what gave me the confidence to say, yes, you are going to be the director. It was truly one of the best decisions I could have made because she directed an amazing film and she also promotes it like nobody else. So, it's really been an awesome partnership to work with her.

Richard Montanez’s life is certainly an underdog type of story. What is it about underdogs that draws people to want to watch and learn more about?

I think that we all feel like an underdog at times. I feel like we all feel discounted, underrepresented, unheard, and unseen. And so to see another underdog who feels that way, but for them to find a way to succeed, I think it's just, it's wish fulfillment. It's absolute wish fulfillment for any underdog that wishes the day would be different. This movie really is that type of wish fulfillment. And so, I think that's why we connect to underdog films. It’s because on some level, I think all of us feel like we're discounted and all of us feel on some level that we are an underdog. And I think that's where the movie really goes to another level because people can relate to it more than it's a good movie. Or, it's funny, the underdog quality really strikes a strong chord. 

What redeeming life lessons can be learned from the life of Richard Montanez?

All things are possible to those who believe, that's a through line that people can take from Richard's story. Also, be your brother and sister's keeper. That's who Richard is. Richard didn't set out to create a billion dollar brand. He set out to basically help save jobs at the factory. And the idea that his heart was a heart of service, was the catalyst for his success. Service is vitally important.

For faith-based audiences, how can they relate to Richard’s story?

Oh my goodness. There's such a strong through line of faith in the movie, and it really shows how someone goes from a nonbeliever to becoming a believer. So, I think any person of faith watching this movie can take away at the end of the day that our faith is built upon a (strong foundation). In terms of having faith as a Christian, it's actually built upon practical faith that we use every day. And this movie shows the power of faith. Richard had a vision, he had an aspiration, but nothing in his life looked like what he was seeing up here. He had a revelation. And that revelation led to a revolution. And I think that anyone of any faith could watch this movie. And I believe your faith is going to be strengthened. People will come out of this film saying, ‘Wow, okay, I've got to get back to believing again. I’ve got to get back to receiving it again. I’ve got to get back to working and knowing that God's going to provide. And I do believe the movie showcases all of that.

After people have had a chance to see Flamin’ Hot, what would you like to see audiences get out of the viewing experience? What’s your greatest hope for the film?

My greatest hope is that maybe one day, this will  go down as one of the greatest inspirational films ever made. Also, my hope is that families see this movie and it will draw them closer to each other. I think family seeing this movie and then inspiring young children to pursue crazy ideas and then create and innovate the way that Richard did. My hope is that families will watch this movie and bring them closer together because it was also Richard's family that helped him succeed. When you look at the relationship between him and his wife Judy, my goodness, it's such a powerful love story in this film that I hope audiences take that away too, that love wins. 

Flamin’ Hot begins streaming on Disney Plus and Hulu on June 9th. The movie will be available to over 200 million subscribers.

WATCH A TRAILER FOR FLAMIN’ HOT: