SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:Burger King and Jack in the Box's spooky mini-movies seek to scare up Halloween sales

Fast food chains aren't just bringing out spicy foods as Halloween treats,SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center they are backing them up with Hollywood-quality teaser trailers and mini-movies.

Burger King teamed up with director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon ("The Current War" and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl") and its brand agency partner Dentsu Creative to create a 60-second film called "The Call," to scare up excitement about the limited time items – the Ghost Pepper Whopper and Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries – added to the restaurants' menu Thursday.

The short film, which is available to view on YouTube, will also play in select movie theaters Friday ahead of feature presentations.

Gomez-Rejon, who has also directed and produced some episodes of the "American Horror Story" TV series, said in a statement, "I love short films and I love horror, so I jumped at the chance . … I had a blast revisiting the genre for the first time since my ("American Horror Story") days, and directing a horror short starring the Ghost Pepper Whopper.”

If the video isn't scary enough, you can visit TheCall.BK.com and give your name and phone number to get your own creepy phone call before Halloween.

Jack in the Box also dropped a horror short on Friday to celebrate the return of its Monster Tacos and Angry Monster Tacos until Nov. 19. "Feeding Time," with running time of 7½ minutes, has an Angry Monster food truck confronting some Halloween bullies.

Among Hollywood talent who worked on the short: writer/director Marcus Dunstan and writer Patrick Melton ("The Collection," "Saw 3D") and writers Asha Michelle Wilson ("American Horror Story") and Kara Lee Corthron ("You, The Flight Attendant"). Developed during the writers strike, "this project allowed writers to find a creative storytelling outlet," the company said in a statement.

Viewers can watch for an Easter egg that unlocks free Monster Tacos on the Jack app.

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Wait, Burger King has Ghost Pepper Whoppers?

Burger King has brought back the Ghost Pepper Whopper, first made available for a limited time in 2022. The burger (suggested price, $6.99, available while supplies last) is a Whopper dressed with spicy queso, jalapeños, bacon and ghost pepper cheese, on a toasted orange bun topped with black sesame seeds.

New this year are Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries, which will be available in 4-piece (suggested prices $1.99), 8-piece ($3.99) and 12-piece ($4.99) orders with a choice of dipping sauce (barbecue, buffalo, sweet and sour, honey mustard, ranch and zesty).

Burger King surveyed customers earlier in the year and asked whether restaurants should bring back the Ghost Pepper Whopper or introduce Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries, Burger King North America chief marketing officer Pat O’Toole said in a press release announcing the items. But the result was split so the chain is offering both.

“We’re excited for fans to have a new way to enjoy our signature Chicken Fries and bring back the Ghost Pepper Whopper with an eye-catching orange bun achieved with the use of paprika, showing that spook-tacular innovations don’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or flavor,” he said.

Beginning Friday and through Halloween, members of the Royal Perks loyalty program can order a meal with a Ghost Pepper Whopper, 4-piece Ghost Pepper Chicken Fry, small French fries, small fountain beverage and Hershey Sundae Pie for $13 (on bk.com or in the Burger King app). Want to skip the heat? The deal is also available with an original Whopper and Chicken Fries.

Ghost Pepper Whopper and Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries, nutrition information

Here are nutrition details on Burger King's Ghost Pepper Whopper, according to the restaurant chain.

• Calories: 850
• Total fat: 48 g (62% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 115 mg (38%)
• Sodium: 1,670 mg (73%)
• Total carbohydrates: 62 g (23%)
• Protein: 44 g (80%)

Here are nutrition details on Burger King's Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries (8 pieces), according to the restaurant chain.

• Calories: 280
• Total fat: 17 g (22% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 30 mg (10%)
• Sodium: 770 mg (33%)
• Total carbohydrates: 62 g (23%)
• Protein: 44 g (88%)

What are Monster Tacos at Jack in the Box?

Monster Tacos (two for $3), which are larger than standard tacos, are a regularly returning limited-time menu item, and the new Angry Monster Tacos (two for $3), spicier tacos in "angry" red shells, are available until Nov. 19.

Here are nutrition details on Jack in the Box tacos (2 tacos), according to the restaurant chain.

• Calories: 340
• Total fat: 19 g (24% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 25 mg (8%)
• Sodium: 720 mg (31%)
• Total carbohydrates: 33 g (12%)
• Protein: 12 g (24%)

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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