Michael Keaton Almost Turned Down the Role: Michael Keaton initially turned down the role of Ray Kroc because he didn’t think he was right for the part. However, after meeting with director John Lee Hancock and discussing the character, Keaton changed his mind and decided to take on the role.
The Film’s Accuracy: The movie is based on a true story, and the filmmakers went to great lengths to ensure its accuracy. They consulted with historians, visited the original McDonald’s location in San Bernardino, California, and even tracked down original McDonald’s equipment to use in the film.
The McDonald’s Brothers’ Cameos: The real-life McDonald brothers, Richard and Maurice, make a brief cameo in the film. They can be seen in a photograph on the wall of the original McDonald’s location.
The Restaurant Scenes: The scenes that take place in the McDonald’s restaurants were filmed at a real McDonald’s location in Atlanta, Georgia. The filmmakers had to work around the restaurant’s operating hours and customers, making the shoot challenging.
The Film’s Box Office Success: “The Founder” was not a commercial success, grossing only $24 million worldwide against a $7 million budget. However, the film received critical acclaim and was praised for its performances and storytelling.
The McDonald’s Monopoly Game Scandal: The movie briefly touches on the McDonald’s Monopoly game scandal, where a former police officer rigged the game and stole millions of dollars in prizes. A documentary about the scandal, titled “McMillions,” was released in 2020.
The Film’s Score: The movie’s score was composed by Carter Burwell, who is known for his work on films like “Fargo” and “No Country for Old Men.” The score effectively captures the tension and drama of the story.
The Role of Joan Smith: Laura Dern plays the role of Joan Smith, Kroc’s wife. In real life, Kroc was married to his first wife, Ethel Fleming, for over 30 years before divorcing her and marrying Joan in 1969.
The Use of Archival Footage: The film incorporates archival footage of Ray Kroc and McDonald’s from the 1950s and 1960s, adding a layer of authenticity to the story.
The Rise of Fast Food Chains: “The Founder” provides a glimpse into the rise of fast food chains in the United States and their impact on American culture. The film shows how McDonald’s revolutionized the industry and set the standard for other fast food chains to follow.
