Hershey and Dandelion Media to Unwrap Founder's Story in Upcoming Major Motion Picture HERSHEY, Set for 2026 Release

Rhea-AI Summary

Hershey announces a major motion picture set for 2026 release, chronicling the life story of company founder Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine. The film, directed by Mark Waters, will star Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as Milton and Catherine Hershey respectively.

Principal photography begins in May 2025 across Pennsylvania. The movie, produced by Dandelion Media in partnership with Hershey Entities, will explore the origins of the iconic chocolate empire and Milton's journey from multiple business failures to creating a revolutionary business model focused on social good.

The film received unprecedented access to company archives and Hershey historians to ensure authentic portrayal. It will particularly focus on the love story between Milton and Catherine, and their legacy through the Milton Hershey School, which continues to provide education and opportunities for children in need.

Positive

• Partnership with established production companies could increase brand visibility and awareness
• Movie release timing aligned with America's 250th anniversary could boost marketing impact
• Unprecedented access to company archives ensures authentic brand storytelling

Negative

• None.

Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as Milton and Catherine Hershey

 Principal Photography Begins May 2025 Across Pennsylvania

HERSHEY, Pa., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HERSHEY, a major motion picture of chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey and his beloved wife Catherine, 'Kitty', is officially set for production beginning in May 2025. Millions worldwide instantly recognize the distinctive wrapped Hershey's bar, but few know the extraordinary human story behind it. A must-see movie for chocolate-lovers and fans alike, this movie reveals 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. A Dandelion Media production in partnership with the Hershey Entities and in association with Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group and RCM3 with UTA Independent Film Group will be representing worldwide rights. The HERSHEY movie is set to release in 2026, aligning with America's 250th anniversary.

Directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Spiderwick Chronicles, Mr. Popper's Penguins), Finn Wittrock (The Big Short, Don't Move, American Horror Story) and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, True Detective, San Andreas) will star as Milton and Catherine Hershey; a duo that was chosen for their cross-generational appeal. HERSHEY explores the origins of the iconic chocolate empire and the ingredients that have achieved lasting cultural significance. With Waters' signature storytelling mastery, Wittrock's commanding yet heartfelt performance, and Daddario's emotional depth and captivating screen presence, the movie will stand the test of time, just like the brand itself.

"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 being produced by: Sharon Paul (Marlowe, Nuremberg), Mark Tilghman (An Acre of Fools, Vivaldi), Mary Aloe (Mary, Worth), Joshua Harris (Sleeping Dogs, Land of Bad) and Will Hardy, with executive producers Daniel Hank, Joseph Lanius, Flip & Susan Flippen and Joanne Marlowe (RCM3).

More Than a Chocolate Bar: The Man Behind the Icon
For over a century, the Hershey's chocolate bar has been woven into the fabric of American culture—appearing in lunchboxes, s'mores by campfires, and countless holiday celebrations. Yet the vision, resilience, and profound humanity of its creator remain largely unknown to the public. This movie bridges that gap, revealing how Milton's greatest innovation wasn't just creating chocolate for the masses, but rather 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.

Hershey Entities: A Legacy of Love and Lasting Impact
Milton's legacy extends far beyond the beloved chocolate products known worldwide. In Hershey, Pa., five major entities—The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company—continue to honor his vision. For the movie, these five entities collaborated with Dandelion Media, to ensure an authentic portrayal of Milton's life. From the project's inception, the filmmakers were granted unprecedented access to the company's archives and the expertise of Hershey historians.

"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."

"Milton and Catherine Hershey's greatest achievement wasn't chocolate—it was creating a home and school for generations of children in need," said Pete Gurt, President, Milton Hershey School. "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."

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. The HERSHEY movie is represented by UTA.

About Dandelion Media
"Hope Through Story" is the mission of Dandelion Media. Founded by Sharon Paul and Mark Tilghman, the company produces impactful movies and television series. Dandelion Media is committed to risk-mitigated independent film financing, proprietary audience research and impeccable storytelling. With projects such as HERSHEY, Vivaldi, Strong Women, Strong World, and Silent Night, Dandelion Media champions stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a legacy of hope.

About Hershey Entities
For generations, the name Hershey has been synonymous with beloved chocolate and snacking products around the world, and the legacy of founder Milton Hershey extends far beyond these iconic treats. Milton established five key entities that continue to create moments of goodness and serve the community today. Entities include The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company. While each entity operates separately, they all embody Milton Hershey's profound philosophy: "One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy and only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life." This guiding principle continues to inspire Hershey's ongoing legacy.

About Aloe Entertainment 
Mary Aloe is considered one of the top independent packaging producers and film finance experts in Los Angeles. Aloe has produced and/or financed over 51 films, most recently Freud's Last Session starring Anthony Hopkins for Sony and the critically acclaimed Rumours starring Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander and Charles Dance. Aloe Entertainment's upcoming slate includes Alpha Gang starring Cate Blanchett, Dave Baustista, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Birds of Prey starring Maria Bakalova and Tin Solider starring Jamie Foxx and Robert DeNiro. www.aloentertainment.com

About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate, and inclusive of film and media finance.  Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com

About UTA
UTA unites ideas, opportunities and talent. The company represents some of the world's most iconic, barrier-breaking artists, creators and changemakers—from actors, athletes and musicians to writers, gamers and digital influencers. One of the most influential companies in global entertainment, UTA's business spans talent representation, content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with some of the world's biggest brands. Affiliated companies include Digital Brand Architects, KLUTCH Sports Group, Curtis Brown Group, and MediaLink. UTA is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York and London.   

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hershey-and-dandelion-media-to-unwrap-founders-story-in-upcoming-major-motion-picture-hershey-set-for-2026-release-302423505.html

SOURCE The Hershey Company

FAQ

When will the Hershey (HSY) founder biopic movie be released?

The Hershey movie is scheduled for release in 2026, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary.

Who are the main actors in the upcoming Hershey (HSY) founder movie?

Finn Wittrock will play Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario will portray Catherine 'Kitty' Hershey.

When does filming start for the Hershey (HSY) founder biopic?

Principal photography begins in May 2025 across Pennsylvania.

What is the main focus of the Hershey (HSY) founder movie?

The movie focuses on Milton Hershey's journey from business failures to chocolate empire success, and his love story with wife Catherine that inspired the creation of Milton Hershey School.