Swipe Left on Sexism: Hulu’s ‘Swiped’ Brings Whitney Wolfe Herd’s Story to Screen
The upcoming biographical drama dives into the turbulent early days of Tinder, the lawsuit that made headlines, and the creation of a dating app that would empower women worldwide.
Hulu has released the official trailer for Swiped, a fictionalized biopic chronicling the rise of dating apps through the lens of Whitney Wolfe Herd, portrayed by Lily James. Written and directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, the film takes inspiration from Wolfe Herd’s real-life journey, from co-founding Tinder to leaving the company amid a sexual harassment lawsuit, and eventually launching Bumble.
Set for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025, Swiped follows Wolfe Herd’s departure from Tinder in 2014 after a high-profile legal battle. The lawsuit targeted co-founder Justin Mateen, her former boyfriend, and alleged a toxic workplace culture. Wolfe Herd reportedly received a settlement of over $1 million plus Tinder stock before founding Bumble, a platform where women initiate the first move.
The trailer teases a tone reminiscent of The Social Network, offering a behind-the-scenes look at corporate politics, interpersonal drama, and the high stakes of Silicon Valley startups. Dan Stevens, Myha’la, Jackson White, and Ben Schnetzer join the ensemble cast, portraying key players in the volatile early days of the app’s success.
20th Century Studios produced the film, which Hulu will distribute in the U.S. on September 19, 2025. The streaming release positions Swiped as one of the year’s most talked-about tech dramas, especially given its focus on themes of gender disparity in tech and the personal cost of innovation.
While the film is inspired by real events, it’s not a documentary, and, like many biopics, it takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. For example, a line in the trailer suggests Tinder was on its way to becoming a Fortune 500 company, a claim that may be more aspirational than factual.
Wolfe Herd’s real-life success is undeniable: she became the youngest female self-made billionaire in 2021 after Bumble’s IPO. The film appears set to frame her as both a disruptor in tech and a cultural icon who redefined online dating for a generation.
With its mix of personal stakes, courtroom drama, and startup intrigue, Swiped could resonate beyond tech enthusiasts, appealing to anyone interested in resilience, leadership, and the price of standing up to entrenched systems.
