KFC May Have Just Signed the First Black Colonel Sanders [Updated]

In its desperate attempt to ensnare millennials, KFC seems to be flying through Colonel Sanders actors quicker that you can finish a bucket of fried chicken. The New York Daily News reports that comedian Jim Gaffigan is being replaced by actor David Alan Grier.

Grier announced his new role on Twitter this morning: "Breaking News: David Alan Grier has been cast as the first African American Colonel Sanders in the new KFC ad campaign," he wrote.

If true, Grier would be the first black actor to portray the fast food chain's founder. Last May, KFC revealed the return of Colonel Sanders played by Saturday Night Live alum Darrell Hammond. Fellow SNL comedian Norm McDonald replaced Hammond. McDonald then carried the role up until the Super Bowl when it was revealed in that Jim Gaffigan was the real white-suited spokesman.

It would certainly be an intriguing move by KFC to have a black actor portraying a man who contributed large sums of money to Alabama segregationist George C. Wallace's presidential campaign and was on the short list to become his running mate. Eater has reached out to KFC for more details., and in the meantime Grier's fans have already begun speculating ways the actor could subvert expectations through the role:

Update, 3/3, 4:27 p.m.: In response to inquiries by Eater, KFC rep Kevin Hochman released the following rather noncommittal statement:

"We are very excited to learn that Mr. Grier is such a big fan of KFC and The Colonel. We're a big fan of him as well. We hope to continue the conversation with him over a $5 Fill Up."

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