Robert Downey Jr. is Mr. Peanut in first speaking ad

In the evolution of legumes, speaking takes time.

It took 94 years for Planters' monocle-wearing mascot Mr. Peanut to speak, so of course they needed an Oscar-nominated actor to do it.

Robert Downey, Jr., who currently stars in the comedy "Due Date" with Zach Galifianakis, takes his nutty self to hawk peanuts.

"People love Mr. Peanut," says Jason Levine, senior director of marketing for Planters.  "He has always had a rich personality, and giving him a voice now allows people to connect with him in an authentic and entertaining way."

Such entertainment is a little twisted. Any foods that are also mascots always have that dark edge to it (M&Ms, James Coney Island, etc.). Watch the first commercial to see what we mean:



Be sure to "Like" Mr. Peanut on Facebook for more ads.

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Photo credits: Planters, Getty Images