In 2004, audiences were introduced to Napoleon Dynamite, an enduring icon of the 2000s, renowned for his unwavering affection for Tater Tots. Viewers chuckled as Napoleon sneaked these crispy treats into class, only to face the notorious bully, Randy, demanding, “GIMME SOME OF YOUR TOTS,” and unwittingly squashing them in Napoleon’s pocket. Now, two decades later, Ore-Ida, the originator of Tater Tots, rides to Napoleon’s rescue with an unprecedented solution: specialized pants designed to protect Tater Tots.
In collaboration with Searchlight Pictures, makers of the cult classic film, Ore-Ida unveils the “Ore-Ida Tot-Protecting Pants,” a tribute to Napoleon’s beloved joggers from the movie, but now equipped with a unique “tot pocket” to safeguard Ore-Ida Tater Tots. Inspired by Uncle Rico’s Nupont Fiber, each pair features a chic dark gray crocodile-print design and a durable, food-safe pocket crafted exclusively for preserving Tater Tots. Now, enthusiasts of the film, including Napoleon himself, can savor Ore-Ida Tater Tots anytime, assured they won’t be crushed.
Jackie Britva, Senior Brand Manager for Ore-Ida at The Kraft Heinz Company, remarks, “For over 70 years, Ore-Ida has been synonymous with delivering perfectly crispy and fluffy potatoes every time. As the film marks its 20th anniversary in June, we saw a perfect opportunity for Ore-Ida to solve Napoleon’s tot-tastrophe in a manner only the Tater Tot inventor could.”
To launch the Tot-Protecting Pants, Ore-Ida collaborated with Searchlight and enlisted Jon Heder to reprise his role as Napoleon Dynamite. In a new short film directed by Aaron Ruell, who played Kip Dynamite, Jon Heder nostalgically recalls the Tater Tot mishap from the original film. Channeling several beloved lines, Napoleon joyfully announces Ore-Ida’s timely intervention in his (and his Tots’) rescue after two decades.
“I share many traits with Napoleon, from artistic skills to proficient mouth-breathing, but none are as profound as our mutual love for Tots,” Jon Heder reflects. “When my Tots get squashed, a part of my soul does too. That’s why I’m thrilled and honored to join Ore-Ida in preventing tot-crushing with these pants—keeping everyone’s favorite potato nuggets safe, warm, and perfectly crispy.”
The limited-edition Ore-Ida Tot-Protecting Pants are available now at www.ProtectYourTaterTots.com, while supplies last. For more details, follow @Oreida on Instagram. Wearers are encouraged to showcase their style by tagging @OreIda and @SearchlightPics on Instagram and Facebook using hashtags #ProtectYourTots #NapoleonDynamite #OreIda.
Catch Napoleon Dynamite streaming on Hulu today.
