"HOLLYWOOD GETS TO DECIDE what heroes look like, and they never look like us," Eva Longoria says. That's why telling the story of Richard Montañez, the Frito-Lay janitor who claims to have invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos-the subject of her directorial feature film debut, Flamin' Hot-was so appealing. "I looked at Richard and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this would be a great opportunity to create a hero who looks like my dad, who looks like my uncle, who sounds like my family."
The film, released on Hulu and Disney+ in June, was a hit-Searchlight Pictures reported it was the most-watched streaming premiere in its history. It did what Longoria knew it would: connect with people, many of them Latino, who were seeking a heartfelt, redeeming story about a working-class family. "I think, 'Wow, I'm so humble and grateful, but then I balance that with thinking, 'Fuck yeah!" Longoria says. "And (a) I knew I could do this, (b) this is exactly the movie I pitched and the vision I had, and (c) of course we're having success. I'm blown away, but at the same time I'm like, No, you expected the success, you manifested it, you dreamed it-now own it!"
This story is from the December 2023/January 2024 edition of ELLE US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2023/January 2024 edition of ELLE US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rebel Hearts
The best fashion is served family style. Model siblings-slash-fashion royalty Lily McMenamy and Eddy and Arthur Aldridge share an unbreakable bond. Here, they team rocker-chic staples with equally timeless Cartier Trinity jewelry.
Nicole Kidman
At Least We Can All Agree On Whether she's confronting the toughest emotions onscreen, raising millions to support women's causes, or putting on a pinstriped suit to help save the movies, the Expats star brings people together.
WOMEN OF IMPACT
Write a poem. Build a business. Use your megaphone with no apologies. As our 2024 honorees show, there are endless ways to make positive change.
Breast Surgery, Augmented
Is \"internal bra\" surgery the stuff that braless dreams are made of?
BRITISH INVASION
Kit Kemp's signature hotel design, a madcap take on English tradition, is taking over New York.
FULL CIRCLE
As Tory Burch celebrates 20 years, her sense of mission is stronger than ever.
CACTUS FLOWER
The minds behind Desserto are spinning the desert plant into (eco-friendly) gold.
MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION
A new book gives an inside look at fashion's most ardent archivists, from Michèle Lamy to Azzedine Alaïa.
MORE IS MORE
A maximalist season kicks off with embellished bags, intricately decorated vases, and high-flown takes on ceremonial jewelryas seen here in the medals and aiguillettes of creative director Claire Choisne's latest high jewelry lineup for Boucheron. High Jewelry Collection Histoire de Style, The Power of Couture, Boucheron, boucheron.com.
La Nuova BELLEZA
Confident, sexy, and at the height of the fashion world. Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti demonstrates how to dress for seduction in spring's sheer.feminine slipdresses and body-conscious looks from luxury labels in Italy and beyond.