The origin story of chocolate pioneer and philanthropist Milton Hershey and his wife is in the works for the big screen, per a deal between the candy conglomerate and purpose-driven production company Dandelion Media.
The feature film will star Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story, The Big Short) as Hershey and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, True Detective) as Catherine “Kitty” Hershey, with Mark Waters (Mean Girls) signing on as director.
Principal photography is set to begin in May—Hershey, Pa., will be among the filming locations—with the movie scheduled to premiere in 2026. According to the log line, the drama will reveal “how a man who failed in business multiple times before creating an iconic chocolate empire chose to channel his success into a legacy of education and community that continues to transform lives today.”
Hershey’s most significant innovation wasn’t his globally-recognized, mass-produced candy but “his revolutionary business model as a force for social good—a concept decades ahead of its time—including the establishment of the Milton Hershey School,” per the film’s announcement.
The school, originally opened in 1909, provided free education and housing to orphans and underprivileged children. A trust backed by Hershey’s fortune has continued to fund the institution ever since. The entrepreneur also helped build the town around his headquarters, complete with perks for employees and residents.
“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,” Waters said in a statement. “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 the Milton Hershey School.”
Dandelion Media will have unprecedented access to Hershey’s archives, while the food conglomerate will provide historical experts, advisors, and other insiders to help craft the screenplay.
“Milton Hershey’s story exemplifies the American Dream,” according to 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.”
