Michael Keaton for McDonald's movie The Founder?

Michael Keaton is in talks to star in 'The Founder'.

The 'Birdman' actor is believed to be taking part in early discussions about a leading role in the movie, which charts the rise of fast food chain, McDonald's.

The 63-year-old star is reportedly being lined up to play American businessman Ray Kroc, who started working with Mac and Dick McDonald - who ran a burger chain in southern California - in 1954, and soon turned the company into a globally recognised brand after purchasing the business in 1961 for $2.7 million.

The film has been scripted by Robert Siegel, who wrote 'The Wrestler' and 'Turbo', and will be produced by FilmNation and The Combine, run by Jeremy Renner and Don Handfield.

Michael - who scooped the Best Actor (Comedy or Musical) award at the Golden Globes on Sunday (11.01.15) - was previously connected to the project last month, with sources saying he was waiting until the director had been confirmed before officially signing on, while Tom Hanks is believed to have turned down the role.

John Lee Hancock, who created 2013's 'Saving Mr Banks', is rumoured to be in negotiations to direct the film, which is expected to follow the tone of similar movies about multi-national corporations such as 'The Social Network'.