The story behind one of the most famous chocolate companies in the world will be told in the live-action movie “Hershey,” starring Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario and directed by “Mean Girls” and “Freaky Friday” helmer Mark Waters.
But wait, there’s s’more: the movie will begin filming in May across Pennsylvania and is targeting a 2026 release. The film does not yet have a distributor attached.
Wittrock will play Milton Hershey, who, alongside his wife Kitty (Daddario), built a candy empire that powered a philanthropic legacy. In 1909, Milton and Kitty founded the Hershey Industrial School, which provided free education and housing to orphans and underprivileged children.
Twenty years before his death, Milton transferred the majority of his fortune into the Milton Hershey School Trust, planting the seed for one of the wealthiest educational endowments in the country. In developing a town around their chocolate factory, the Hersheys also built theaters, recreation centers and public transportation for their workers.
“Hershey” hails from Dandelion Media in partnership with the Hershey Entities and in association with Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group and RCM3. UTA Independent Film Group is representing worldwide rights. A release is planned for 2026, aligning with America’s 250th anniversary.
“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,” said Mark Waters. “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.”
The film is produced by Sharon Paul, Mark Tilghman, Mary Aloe, Joshua Harris and Will Hardy, with executive producers Daniel Hank, Joseph Lanius, Flip & Susan Flippen and Joanne Marlowe.
Waters is represented by UTA; Wittrock is represented by CAA, Mosaic and Weissenbach Management, and Schreck Rose Dapello; Daddario is represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment. “Hershey,” the film, is represented by UTA Independent Film Group.
“Milton Hershey’s story exemplifies the American Dream,” said Michele Buck, president and CEO of The Hershey Company. “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.”
Pete Gurt, president of the Milton Hershey School, added, “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.”
From Variety US