The iconic restaurant chain is getting its own movie.
Hooters: The Movie is officially in the works, with the film set to bring the controversial restaurant chain's origin story to the big screen. Casting is already underway, and production is expected to begin in Florida in November 2026.
Director Jon Rosenbaum has attempted to reassure skeptical fans that the movie will solely focus on Hooters' beginnings rather than be a massive feature-length advertisement.
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.
The movie follows Ted and Lenny, two friends from a small town in Iowa. Their adventure begins when Ted convinces Lenny to join him on a road trip to Florida to find Diane, a woman he spotted in a spring break commercial. That trip eventually leads to the opening of the first Hooters restaurant.
The Origin Story May Not Be Entirely True
It's important to address the elephant in the room: the movie's version of Hooters' origins may not be entirely accurate.
Some of that skepticism comes from a rather questionable comment made by director Jon Rosenbaum when speaking to Deadline. Describing the project, Rosenbaum said, "It's not at all what people will be expecting – and it's mostly true!"
That's certainly an interesting way to describe a movie based on real events. Of course, Hooters: The Movie wouldn't be the first biopic to take some creative liberties with the truth. However, there is another reason to be cautious about taking everything in the movie at face value.
The film is being independently produced by members of Hooters' original founding partners, several of whom are closely involved in bringing the story to the screen. That gives the filmmakers unusually strong ties to the events being portrayed. It also means the movie is coming from people who have their own perspective on Hooters' history.
To be fair, there's no indication that the filmmakers intend to deliberately rewrite or distort what happened. Until the movie actually arrives, it's impossible to know just how much of the story is fact and how much isn't.
The Stars Are Coming Out for the Movie
Regardless of how closely the movie sticks to reality, there's apparently one thing that should unite Hooters fans and skeptics alike.
Co-founder Ed Droste, who is also serving as a producer, has promised a movie packed with heart, fun, and drama. He has also made it clear that the "world-famous Hooters Girls are the real stars" of the film.
Production is expected to take place around Tampa and Clearwater, Florida, close to where the original Hooters restaurant opened. There's currently no release date, and details about the cast remain under wraps.