Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton eyed to star in 'The Founder,' the story of McDonald's expansion from 'Blind Side' director

It seems McDonalds is practically everywhere these days anyway, so why not on the silver screen? Telling the story of the fast food company's rise into a billion dollar empire, John Lee Hancock, the director behind The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks, is planning to bring the company's story to the cinema, with Tom Hanks and Michael Keaton being eyed to star in the biopic.

As The Hollywood Reporter reveals, The Founder tells the story of Ray Kroc, the salesman who took Mac and Dick McDonalds' small burger company in Southern California and turned it into the franchise monster it is today. Although Hancock is known for his good hearted affairs, like the movies mentioned above, don't expect this to be a feel-good feature.

Described as being akin to The Social Network and There Will Be Blood, Hancock's film will chronicle how Kroc eventually maneuvered himself into a position where he could pull the company away from the McDonald brothers and enjoy the profits. So don't go expecting the director's usual inspiring affairs, and perhaps that's what the filmmaker is going for. Developed under FilmNation, The Founder has a screenplay from Robert Siegel, the writer behind The Wrestler and Big Fan—two fairly dark tales, to say the least.

In addition to this, Variety reports FilmNation —who apparently have been developing this film for some time — are trying to court Tom Hanks to reunite with his Saving Mr. Banks director to play Kroc. Hanks previously passed on the film the first time around, as did Hancock, during the company's initial go-around making this movie. But with Hancock agreeing this time, perhaps Hanks will also change his tune.

In addition to Hanks, Michael Keaton — an actor who could very well be on his way to his first Oscar nomination, and maybe win, this year for his lead turn in Birdman — is also being considered to play Kroc. Like Hanks, he was waiting to see who signed on to helm before moving forward.

In addition to FilmNation, The Combine, Jeremy Renner and Don Handfield's production comapny, is producing. Although Hancock also attached himself to direct an untitled Lenny Dykstra biopic of the New York Mets, according to Collider, should The Founder gain traction, this will likely be Hancock's next feature.

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