The Hershey movie finds a director, its first two cast members, and is aiming for a 2026 release. Founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1894 and headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Hershey Company is one of the largest and most famous chocolate manufacturers in the world. However, the story of Hershey, the man or the company, hasn’t been covered much before by film or television. That is set to change with a new live-action Hershey movie currently in development from Dandelion Media.

According to Variety, the Hershey movie will be directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday) and star Finn Wittrock as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as his wife Kitty. The film will start shooting in May throughout Pennsylvania and is aiming for a 2026 release. Waters​​​​​, president and CEO of The Hershey Company Michele Buck, and president of the Milton Hershey School​​​​​​​ Pete Gurt shared the following statements:

Waters: Against all odds, Milton achieved great success, but unlike a lot of other wealthy men of his time, he shared his success with the working people and community around him. The core of Hershey, the movie, will be the special love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey, who inspired his greatest legacy — the creation of Milton Hershey School. I’m excited to have Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario to portray these two visionaries, who believed in leaving the world a better place than they found it — the kind of wonderful, true story that audiences are hungry for right now.

Buck​​​​​​​: Milton Hershey’s story exemplifies the American Dream. This movie will reveal how Milton and Kitty built something far greater than a chocolate company. Their legacy extends beyond sweet treats to education, community and opportunity for thousands. We’re proud to support a film that shares the full Hershey story — one of resilience, vision and impact that continues to inspire today.

Gurt​​​​​​​: Milton and Catherine Hershey’s greatest achievement wasn’t chocolate —it was creating a home and school for generations of children in need. As an alumnus of Milton Hershey School, I’ve seen firsthand how their vision transforms lives. This movie captures the story that inspired extraordinary generosity and a legacy that endures today through every student and graduate of our school. It’s a reminder that true success is measured not by what you gain, but by what you give.

What This Means For The Hershey Movie

What Will It Be About?

Milton Hershey was a visionary chocolatier who, with his wife Kitty, built a candy empire that laid the foundation for a far-reaching philanthropic legacy. In 1909, the couple founded the Hershey Industrial School, offering free housing and education to orphans and disadvantaged youth.​​​​​​​ Two decades before his pᴀssing, Milton placed the bulk of his wealth into the Milton Hershey School Trust, setting the stage for what would become one of the nation’s most substantial educational endowments. In creating a community around their chocolate factory, the Hersheys built theaters, recreation facilities, and public transit for their workers.

As for the Hershey movie’s cast, both stars are best known for their roles on television. Finn Wittrock is best known for his Emmy-nominated performances in American Horror Story: Freak Show and The ᴀssᴀssination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Alexandra Daddario is also known for her Emmy-nominated performance in The White Lotus season 1, her role in True Detective season 1, and Mayfair Witches. Mark Waters has mostly directed comedies like Mean Girls and Freaky Friday, making him an unexpected choice for what sounds like a conventional biopic of Milton Hershey.

Our Take On The Hershey Movie

It’s An Important American Story

Milton Hershey’s life is a personification of the American Dream. Against great odds, he built a successful company, but his efforts are also a powerful reminder that the American Dream isn’t just about personal success. Milton Hershey’s legacy is perhaps defined more by his philanthropic efforts, providing education and housing to those in need. During a time when corporate greed driven by CEOs often dominates headlines, the Hershey movie could send an especially important message today.

Source: Variety