Production is officially set to begin in May 2025 on HERSHEY, a powerful new biopic that explores the remarkable life of chocolate magnate Milton Hershey and his beloved wife, Catherine “Kitty” Hershey. While the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bar is recognized around the globe, the true story behind its creation—and the visionary couple who brought it to life—remains largely unknown to the public. This cinematic journey aims to change that.
More than just a confectionary tale, HERSHEY is a stirring portrait of resilience, love, and purpose. It chronicles Milton Hershey’s many early failures in business before he struck sweet success and built one of the most enduring chocolate empires in history. But it also shines a light on his lesser-known legacy: using his fortune to establish a school and foundation that continues to impact thousands of lives to this day.
“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.”
A Dandelion Media production, the film is created in collaboration with The Hershey Entities and in association with Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group, and RCM3. UTA Independent Film Group is handling worldwide rights. Slated for release in 2026, HERSHEY will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States—making it a fitting tribute to one of America’s most inspiring entrepreneurial stories.
Directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Spiderwick Chronicles, Mr. Popper’s Penguins), the film will star Finn Wittrock (The Big Short, American Horror Story) as Milton Hershey, and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, San Andreas) as Catherine Hershey. The casting reflects a thoughtful blend of emotional gravitas and broad generational appeal, promising a dynamic on-screen chemistry that brings Hershey’s story vividly to life.
Through Waters’ engaging storytelling, Wittrock’s heartfelt portrayal, and Daddario’s commanding screen presence, HERSHEY is poised to become more than a biopic—it’s a celebration of enduring values, a testament to love and generosity, and a movie experience as timeless as the chocolate it honors.
Discover more from Grubbits
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.