Lily James is set to take on the role inspired by the life of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe, one of the world’s youngest billionaires. The English actress, who recently portrayed Pamela Anderson in a biographical series, has signed on to lead an untitled film being developed by 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment. While details about the plot remain scarce, the film is said to be inspired by Wolfe’s life. The movie is expected to be released in 2025, and Lily James will both star in and produce it.
Whitney Wolfe founded Bumble in 2014 after leaving Tinder, another dating app she helped to create, due to tensions with executives. In an interview, Wolfe discussed feeling isolated and “gendered” in the tech world and highlighted the challenges faced by successful women. She emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing one’s time, particularly as a CEO balancing work, family, and personal well-being. Last year, Wolfe passed on the role of CEO to Lidiane Jones, a seasoned tech and business executive, and expressed a desire to improve confidence in individuals of all genders.
Bumble set itself apart in the industry by allowing women to make the first move in online dating. Despite facing competition and unrest in some markets, the app raised over $2 billion in its initial public offering in 2021. Whitney rang the Nasdaq bell as Bumble’s valuation surpassed $13 billion, but the stock has since declined. Wolfe’s departure marked the second significant executive exit from Bumble in the same year, prompting concerns about the company’s future performance and employee morale.
Whitney Wolfe is married to Michael Herd, an oil and gas heir from Texas, and they have two children together. Her accolades include being named one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women Under 30 In Tech in 2014, one of Elle’s Women in Tech in 2016, and featuring in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2017 and 2018. Her commitment to elevating confidence in individuals through her work in the tech and dating app space has garnered recognition and praise. Despite the challenges she faced in her professional journey, Wolfe’s contributions to the industry have been significant and impactful.
The upcoming film inspired by Whitney Wolfe’s story will shed light on her journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges she encountered in the tech world. Lily James’s portrayal of Wolfe will provide an insight into the experiences and struggles faced by successful women in male-dominated industries. The movie’s production and casting process are already underway, with a planned release date of 2025, indicating this project’s high level of interest and anticipation among audiences. As more details about the film emerge, viewers will have the opportunity to learn more about Wolfe’s inspiring story and the legacy she has built through her groundbreaking work in the dating app industry.
