Jerry Seinfeld And Jim Gaffigan stopped by for ET’s “Spilling the E-Tea” and delved into the behind-the-scenes antics and humorous dynamics of their upcoming film. Unfrosted. The duo couldn’t contain their laughter as they reminisced Hugh GrantIt’s unexpected turn as Tony the Tiger.
Unfrosted marks Seinfeld’s directorial debut, which he co-wrote with his writing team. The ensemble cast includes Seinfeld himself, Melissa McCarthy, Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, James Marsden, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Bobby Moynihan, Maria Bakalova, Max Greenfield, Bill Burr, Dan Levy, Christian Slater and Grant.
Loosely inspired by the fascinating origins of the Pop Tarts toaster pastry, the film promises to be a comedic exploration of the snack’s creation.
“Hugh Grant is Tony the Tiger,” Gaffigan explains, prompting a laugh from Seinfeld. “That’s why I made the movie, just to hear someone say that,” Seinfeld quips.
Their banter takes an amusing turn as they discuss casting choices, with Gaffigan interjecting, “And Christian Slater is a bad milkman.” Seinfeld confirms with a grin, “He’s a bad milkman.”
Intrigued, Gaffigan asked Seinfeld about the origins of the idea of casting Grant as the iconic cereal mascot. Seinfeld explains: “You know how in comedy you change everything the way you want it to be? So Tony the Tiger is Hugh Grant.”
He delves deeper into the creative process, imagining a scenario similar to the studio system of old Hollywood, where mascots are like contracted performers, playing with the humiliation of a Shakespearean actor portraying the role of Tony the Tiger.
With laughter, Seinfeld recounts Grant’s unexpected interest in the project. “I don’t really know how Hugh Grant became Tony the Tiger. He called me out of the blue,” Seinfeld admits. “I couldn’t believe he wanted to do it.”
Gaffigan praises Grant’s professionalism and describes him as a “home run hitter” on set. Seinfeld adds, “We argued about comedy because I told him, ‘You’re not funny.'”
Gaffigan is amused by Seinfeld’s candor, quipping, “I don’t know why that would upset him.”
Seinfeld goes into more detail, contrasting American humor with British wit. “Here in America, we don’t make money by being funny. We need humor. Funny is fun and that’s how we make a living,” he explains, teasing Grant as a “pub joke,” a quintessentially British trait.
Despite their comedic sparring, Seinfeld praises Grant’s performance and emphasizes his talent and professionalism. “He was incredible,” Seinfeld concludes with a grin, underscoring the camaraderie and humor that characterized the set Unfrosted.
Unfrosted Premieres May 3rd on Netflix.
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