From Beanie Babies to Pop-Tarts, the history of distinctly American consumerism is taking a big screen swing.
Jerry Seinfeld writes, directs, and stars in Netflix’s “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story” centered on cereal rival companies Kellogg’s and Post that set out in a culinary equivalent of the space race: create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast. The film is set in the aptly-titled Battle Creek, Michigan in 1963. “Unfrosted” marks Seinfeld’s directorial debut.
The all-star cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, Max Greenfield, Christian Slater, Bill Burr, Daniel Levy, James Marsden, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Bobby Moynihan, Adrian Martinez, Sarah Cooper, and Fred Armisen. Hugh Grant also plays an early Tony the Tiger mascot, swapping the Oompa Loompa orange from “Wonka” for tiger stripes in a full-on costume you have to see to believe.
“Unfrosted” is co-written by Seinfeld, Spike Feresten, Andy Robin, and Barry Marder, with Seinfeld and Feresten producing alongside Beau Bauman. Andy Robin, Barry Marder, and Cherylanne Martin serve as executive producers.
Despite Seinfeld turning to directing decades into his career, he’s not throwing everything but the kitchen sink on the screen. “Seinfeld” alum Julia Louis-Dreyfus shut down rumors of a reunion reboot series, telling The Guardian, “I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about” after Seinfeld seemingly hinted at a revival.
Seinfeld previously said onstage in October 2023 that “something is going to happen that has to do with that ending. It hasn’t happened yet” about the ’90s series finale.
“Just what you are thinking about, Larry [David] and I have also been thinking about. So, you’ll see,” Seinfeld said during Q&A segment of a stand-up show in Boston.
“Unfrosted” premieres May 3 on Netflix. Check out the trailer below.
