Mario Lopez stars as ‘sexy’ Colonel Sanders in KFC mini movie

15-minute ad portrays Sanders as wealthy family's in-home chef who falls into steamy romance

KFC and Lifetime have teamed up for a "mini-movie" starring Mario Lopez, who plays Colonel Harland Sanders. Except it's Colonel Sanders as you've never seen him before.

In A Recipe For Seduction, which essentially boils down to a 15-minute ad for the fast-food chain, Sanders stars as a wealthy family's in-home chef who falls into a steamy romance.

"We always want our brand to show up in interesting and unexpected ways in popular culture," KFC said in a statement. “The KFC and Lifetime mini-movie event is a perfect way to bring fans a fun opportunity to enjoy the holidays with family, friends, and loved ones."

"Through a terrific cast, and with a wink to the unique sensibilities celebrated in Lifetime movies, this co-production spotlights each brand’s POV and marries them in a fun and authentic way," said David DeSocio, executive vice president of ad sales marketing and partnerships at A+E Networks.

Read More: The first trailer for the Saved by the Bell reboot has been released

Twitter, of course, had a lot to say about the unexpected – though not unentertaining – idea of Colonel Sanders as a Lifetime movie love interest. (Ad agency Wieden + Kennedy helped produce the commercial spot.)

"lifetime channel made a movie based off KFC colonel sanders fan fiction i don’t know if i should laugh or manically cry myself into a hibernation," wrote @elijahdaniel.

"Between Quibi, Peacock, and this Lifetime Original Sexy KFC Movie starring Mario Lopez, the spirit of "30 Rock" has had one hell of a year," wrote @carolineframke.

"LIFETIME IS RELEASING A HORNY KFC MOVIE STARRING MARIO LOPEZ AS COLONEL SANDERS I WILL NEVER RECOVER," wrote @Jinsakuu.

"i want to be whatever KFC's chief marketing officer is on," wrote @Rmac18.

"Okay 2020 I think we're done here," concluded @goldengateblond.

A Recipe For Seduction airs on Lifetime on 13 December at 12PM ET.