Comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld is making a long-awaited return to the screen, not with a sitcom revival, but with a surprising twist: a feature film about Pop-Tarts! This isn't just a random choice, though. Fans of his iconic show "Seinfeld" will remember the cereal-loving protagonist and the ever-present boxes lining his kitchen shelves. In fact, his now-famous Pop-Tart routine, honed for over a decade, found its way into his 2020 special "23 Hours to Kill." This movie feels like a delicious culmination of a long-simmering comedic obsession.
Seinfeld's love affair with cereal goes back even further. A 2012 New York Times video revealed him meticulously crafting his Pop-Tart joke for a whopping two years, a stark contrast to his usual quick comedic turnaround. It seems this movie is a labor of love, a deep dive into the world of toaster pastries with a healthy dose of Seinfeldian humor.
This project also stands in stark contrast to another highly anticipated film: "Barbie." While "Barbie" promises a sugar-coated, fantastical world, Seinfeld's Pop-Tart movie likely offers a more grounded, observational approach, dissecting the breakfast pastry with his signature wit.
Get ready for a hilarious exploration of Pop-Tarts, a peek into Seinfeld's comedic process, and a movie that promises to be the complete opposite of the pink-hued world of "Barbie."
Jerry Seinfeld's career boasts a mountain of iconic jokes, so why Pop-Tarts? Why now? And what spurred him to write, star in, and direct his first feature film? These burning questions were recently posed to Seinfeld himself as his Netflix film "Unfrosted" premiered.
Loosly inspired by the real-life invention of Pop-Tarts, the movie transforms the breakfast aisle into a comedic battleground. Think "The Right Stuff" with a side of frosting, as Kellogg's and Post Cereal clash in a cutthroat race to revolutionize American mornings.
"Unfrosted" is a pun-tastic breakfast bonanza, overflowing with cameos. Amy Schumer steps into the shoes of Marjorie Merriweather Post, head of Post Cereals, while Jim Gaffigan portrays Edsel Kellogg III, leading the Kellogg's charge. Hugh Grant takes on the role of Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Tony the Tiger, with Bill Burr lending his comedic chops to President John F. Kennedy. The breakfast cereal mascots themselves come to life with Mikey Day, Kyle Mooney, and Drew Tarver voicing Snap, Crackle, and Pop respectively. Melissa McCarthy joins the cast as Seinfeld's colleague at Kellogg's, while Dan Levy, James Marsden, and a slew of other comedic heavyweights make scene-stealing appearances.
In a separate interview, Seinfeld tackles the burning question – what inspired a Pop-Tart movie? His answer reveals a surprising twist: the global pandemic. "Sometimes blessings come disguised as setbacks," he explains. "Being stuck at home for months with nothing to do was the catalyst. My friend Spike [Feresten], a Seinfeld writer, suggested we write a screenplay. It was a way to fill the time, and honestly, I wouldn't have considered it otherwise."
So, why did you decide to direct "Unfrosted" yourself?
It streamlined the process. In TV, you write in the room, then take the script directly to set. Having a director translate your vision can be inefficient and prone to misinterpretation. The writer understands the intent best. Usually, writers don't direct because communication with others can be a challenge. Their strength lies in writing. Thankfully, I've honed those communication skills over the years. Directing is essentially conveying the intended comedic delivery of your jokes, and that's what I do best.
Did anything surprise you about the filmmaking process?
Absolutely. The biggest challenge was dealing with the generous budget Netflix provided. It meant there were practically no limitations. Modern technology allows you to visualize anything, which can be overwhelming. With endless possibilities, making choices becomes difficult. One early draft even included a car chase scene – a kid-driven homage to the iconic chase from "Bullitt." Ultimately, the logistics proved too complex, but it illustrates the creative freedom this budget afforded. They truly let you chase your wildest filmmaking dreams.
You wore multiple hats on "Unfrosted" – director and star. How'd you manage that balancing act?
It was a bit of a juggling act, but luckily, acting isn't exactly my passion. Frankly, I often found myself less focused on my performance and more engrossed in the other actors, just like in Seinfeld. If you go back and watch the show, you'll see plenty of scenes where I'm basically a writer observing, silently thinking, "Yep, that joke landed perfectly!"
Given your lukewarm feelings about acting, why take on the starring role?
Efficiency, pure and simple. I already knew the lines inside and out, so why not just deliver them myself? It saved time.
Think back to the 60s, and honestly, even a bit today – breakfast is the one meal where, as a kid, you held the reins. Lunch and dinner were under adult control, but breakfast? That was your domain. You could go wild: French toast, cereal mountains, warm cinnamon rolls – a smorgasbord of deliciousness for a ravenous stomach. Breakfast is hands-down the hungriest you'll be all day.
What was the on-set atmosphere like? Was there much room for improvisation?
Quite a bit! Kyle Dunnigan absolutely riffed as Walter Cronkite, and Bill Burr took his turn with JFK. Those were the two most improvised scenes in the entire movie. For the rest, we mostly stuck to the script.
Did you have your heart set on any actors who couldn't make it due to scheduling?
Scheduling conflicts were our biggest hurdle. Thankfully, no one outright rejected the project. There were a few hesitant folks, though. The JFK role seemed particularly intimidating for some. They envisioned a months-long Lincoln-esque preparation process. I kept reassuring them, "This ain't Lincoln, guys!" Bill Burr, a comedian himself, grasped the concept perfectly. "No acting, Bill, just have fun!"
Did any classic comedies influence "Unfrosted"?
While watching Blazing Saddles recently, I was struck by a surprising similarity to "Unfrostest." It wasn't intentional, but both films share a comedic absurdity that doesn't disrupt the sense of a real story. Remember the Count Basie band randomly playing in the desert? It's akin to the ravioli scene in "Unfrosted" - a surreal element that doesn't faze the characters. Realizing this connection to one of my all-time favorite comedies was a thrill.
Another inspiration was "The In-Laws" and the comedic genius of Peter Sellers. There's a scene where my character, amidst a ludicrous cereal-themed funeral, is questioned by the widow, "Did you plan this?" My response, "I don't know," is a personal favorite, though it sparked numerous debates. It's nonsensical, yet in that moment, I felt a touch of Sellers' iconic Inspector Clouseau.
Did Kellogg's have any involvement? Did you anticipate legal trouble?
Think Barbie, but the opposite. Made by Mattel, Barbie enjoys full corporate cooperation. Kellogg's, on the other hand, had no clue about our film and wouldn't have approved. Honestly, if we avoid a lawsuit, it'd be a miracle! We see a potential lawsuit as phenomenal publicity - imagine defending myself in court for making light of Pop-Tarts! That trial could be the basis for a hilarious sequel, "Pop-Tart Judges."
So, your love for Pop-Tarts remains strong?
Absolutely! Unwavering adoration.
Still a Pop-Tart devotee? Do you keep a box at home?
Definitely. I love them.
They're not exactly known for robust flavor...
Exactly! That's another comedic element. The "badness" becomes part of the appeal.
And the proper way to enjoy a Pop-Tart?
Definitely toasted. The raw version is a culinary sin. They actually combusted during development - a significant challenge! Sealing the edges to prevent jelly leakage while toasting was another hurdle. The whole design revolves around toasting, so embrace the golden brown goodness!
Do you have any future acting projects lined up?
Planning isn't my forte. The TV series, "Comedians in Cars," and even "Unfrosted" all happened organically. I'm a comedian first and foremost. If something interesting pops up, I might consider it. But I never make plans.