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No piece of pop culture has centered around White Castle and its famous sliders like the 2004 stoner comedy, “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.” While the burger chain forms the core of the movie, from its title to its plot, White Castle wasn’t the only fast food chain originally chosen to be in the film. Initially, Harold and Kumar were slated to head to a beloved American doughnut shop — until Krispy Kreme backed out of its planned role in the movie.
Yes, in another world, the White Castle burgers devoured by Harold and Kumar would’ve been paired with Krispy Kreme’s glazed doughnuts. According to a multitude of sources, the doughnut company ultimately declined to participate in filming, expressing hesitance in regard to the movie’s drug associations. As such, Krispy Kreme backed out at the very last minute, just a few days ahead of filming.
As for the doughnut chain’s intended role? Krispy Kreme was never going to replace White Castle, but supplement it instead. The doughnut shop was supposed to be featured in lieu of the make-believe hot dog joint, Hot Dog Heaven, that Harold and Kumar visit toward the movie’s end. Considering how many people are opposed to the taste of White Castle burgers and the niche nature of fast food hot dogs, a Krispy Kreme add-on would’ve likely been a welcome addition — especially considering the bulk of burgers Harold and Kumar order.
Krispy Kreme declined a starring role as a food stop for Harold and Kumar
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“Harold & Kumar Go to Krispy Kreme” could have very well been 2004’s funniest flick, even if Krispy Kreme was always intended to be represented alongside White Castle. After all, taking White Castle out of the film would’ve changed it entirely; the whole movie hinges on the pilgrimage to the signature burger joint. IMDB described the flick as a “Korean-American office worker and his Indian-American stoner friend embark on a quest to satisfy their desire for White Castle burgers.”
The film featured the chain so prominently that Harold and Kumar’s White Castle order has become iconic in its own right. Upon reaching White Castle in the movie, both members of the duo order 30 sliders, four large Cokes, and five servings of French fries — a meal of champions, if you will. You can’t actually order a Harold and Kumar special at White Castle in real life, but it’s such an integral part of the movie that it begs the question: What would Krispy Kreme’s equivalent look like? In another world — or at least the original movie plan — Harold and Kumar could have preceded their White Castle meal with an order of, say, 30 doughnuts, four coffees, and five cups of doughnut dots.