The Founder (2016)

Overview

"The Founder" is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert Siegel. The film tells the story of Ray Kroc (played by Michael Keaton), an ambitious salesman who turned a small fast-food restaurant owned by the McDonald brothers into the world's largest fast-food chain — McDonald's. The film explores the price of success, showing how Kroc, through persistence, ambition, and ruthlessness, gradually ousts the company's founders and transforms it into a global empire.

Basic Information

• Original Title: The Founder
• Release Year: 2016
• Genre: Biographical Drama, Historical Drama
• Director: John Lee Hancock
• Screenwriter: Robert Siegel
• Country of Production: USA
• Studio: The Weinstein Company, FilmNation Entertainment, Faliro House Productions
• Distributor: The Weinstein Company

Cast

• Michael Keaton — Ray Kroc
• Nick Offerman — Richard McDonald
• John Carroll Lynch — Maurice McDonald
• Linda Cardellini — Joan Smith
• B.J. Novak — Harry Sonneborn
• Laura Dern — Ethel Kroc
• Justin Randell — June Martino
• Kate Kneeland — Betty
• Patrick Wilson — Rollie Smith (voice)

Plot

The film begins in 1954 when Ray Kroc, a 52-year-old milkshake machine salesman, learns about a small restaurant in San Bernardino, California, that orders eight mixers at once. Intrigued, he travels there and meets brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald, who created the innovative "Speedee Service System" — a prototype of modern fast food. Kroc convinces the brothers to let him franchise their business. Initially facing difficulties, he gradually expands the chain through his persistence and business acumen. Eventually, Kroc takes out a loan and buys out the McDonald's rights from the brothers, pushing them out of the business. The film ends with Kroc giving a speech to franchisees, emphasizing that the true founder is himself, not the McDonald brothers.

Franchise Timeline

The film is not part of a series but is a standalone biographical work. However, if considered in the context of other films about corporate history, one can mention:

• "The Founder" (2016) — the original film about the creation of McDonald's.

Where to Watch

Currently, the film is available on various platforms. Official links:

• Netflix: The Founder on Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video: The Founder on Amazon
• Apple TV: The Founder on Apple TV

For Ukrainian viewers:

• UAKino: The Founder on UAKino

Note: Links may vary depending on region and licensing agreements.