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The Founder (film)

The Founder is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert D.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Founder is a 2016 American biographical drama film directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Robert D. Siegel. It stars Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc and dramatizes Kroc’s role in turning McDonald’s into a major fast-food franchise, including his takeover of the company from the McDonald brothers.

Premise

The story follows Ray Kroc, a salesman who becomes involved with the McDonald brothers’ fast-food operation in California and ultimately takes control of the business.

Cast

Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc. Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch portray the McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, and Linda Cardellini appears as Joan Smith, Kroc’s third wife.

Release

The film premiered at ArcLight Hollywood on December 7, 2016. It was released theatrically in the United States on January 20, 2017, by The Weinstein Company.

Reception

According to the available source, the film grossed about US$24 million worldwide and was generally well received by critics. The performances of Michael Keaton and Nick Offerman received particular praise.

Key facts

  • The film portrays the rise of McDonald’s under Ray Kroc’s leadership.
  • Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, with Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch as Richard and Maurice McDonald.
  • The film premiered at ArcLight Hollywood on December 7, 2016.
  • It was released theatrically in the United States on January 20, 2017, by The Weinstein Company.
  • The film received generally positive reviews, with praise for the performances of Keaton and Offerman.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally and is part of the broader North American film and fast-food history familiar to Canadian audiences, but the available sources do not identify a specific Canada-only release or Canada-specific production role.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Founder about?
It is a biographical drama about Ray Kroc’s rise as the key figure behind McDonald’s expansion and his takeover of the company.
Who directed The Founder?
John Lee Hancock directed the film.
Who plays Ray Kroc?
Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc.
When was The Founder released?
It premiered on December 7, 2016, and was released in U.S. theatres on January 20, 2017.
Who played the McDonald brothers?
Nick Offerman played Richard McDonald and John Carroll Lynch played Maurice McDonald.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Founder
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, plot premise, premiere date, U.S. release date, worldwide gross, and general critical reception.