Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its hot wings and definitely not anything else, is getting its very own movie. Deadline reports that casting is now underway for Hooters: The Movie, which will tell the unlikely tale of the restaurant’s origins.
Based on the real events behind Hooters’ founding, Hooters: The Movie centers on Ted and Lenny, two lifelong friends from a small-town in Iowa who accidentally launch a national restaurant empire, only to find everything they built threatened by the federal government. The adventure begins when Ted becomes infatuated with Diane, whom he first sees from afar when featured in a spring break commercial. Determined to find her in real life, Ted talks a hesitant Lenny into joining him on a road trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida. Diane would later become the very first Hooters Girl.
The film will be directed by Jon Rosenbaum (Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls) from a script by Ed Droste, Phil Olson, and Chuck Melcher. Shooting is expected to begin this November in the Tampa/Clearwater, Florida, area, where the original Hooters restaurant opened in 1983. The project is being independently produced by members of Hooters’ original founding partners.
“I think people are going to enjoy watching how we were really just some guys who didn’t know what we were doing, but had a great time doing it,” said Ed Droste, Hooters co-founder and producer. “There’s a lot of drama, but a lot of heart and fun too. And of course, our world-famous Hooters Girls are the real stars. For over 40 years Hooters has been America’s oasis in good times and bad. It’s time to deliver a taste of our big hearted culture and famous humor to the world.“
Rosenbaum added, “From the moment I first learned the Hooters origin story, I knew it would make an incredible movie. It’s the perfect combination of a hilarious buddy comedy and an inspiring biopic for a beloved American brand: Two lifelong friends with no idea what they’re getting themselves into, a crazy idea they’re willing to bet everything on, and a wild journey that culminates in the creation of something bigger than they could ever have imagined. It’s not at all what people will be expecting – and it’s mostly true! I can’t wait to bring this story to life.“
Are you down to watch the origins of the hot wing restaurant in Hooters: The Movie?