Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story) and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus) will star as Milton and Kitty Hershey in Hershey, a biopic about the founders of the iconic chocolate company. Wittrock plays the visionary businessman who turned cocoa beans into a global brand, while Daddario portrays his wife, a key figure in their philanthropic efforts. The casting has drawn praise for its alignment with the real-life couple’s personalities, with one social media user calling it “spot on” .
Director’s Vision: From Comedy to Candy
Mark Waters, known for directing Mean Girls and Freaky Friday, takes on a more serious project with Hershey. He described the film as a love story at its core, focusing on the couple’s shared mission to uplift their community.
“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. “The core of Hershey will be the special love story between Milton and Kitty, who inspired his greatest legacy” .
Waters’ shift from teen comedies to historical drama highlights the film’s focus on social impact over sugary spectacle.
A Philanthropic Legacy
The movie will highlight the Hersheys’ creation of the Milton Hershey School in 1909, a boarding school for orphans and underprivileged children funded by their chocolate profits. Two decades before his death, Milton transferred most of his wealth to the school’s trust, creating one of the largest educational endowments in the U.S. The couple also built theaters, parks, and public transit for their factory workers—a rarity in early 20th-century corporate America .
Hershey CEO Michele Buck emphasized this angle:
“Their legacy extends beyond sweet treats to education, community, and opportunity for thousands. This movie shares the full Hershey story—one of resilience, vision, and impact” .
Filming in Pennsylvania
Production begins in May 2025 across Pennsylvania, where the real Hershey chocolate empire began. Scenes will shoot in Hershey itself, a town Milton designed for his employees, complete with affordable housing and green spaces. The location adds authenticity, as the area still houses Hershey’s headquarters, factories, and the Milton Hershey School .
Release Plans and Distribution
Though no studio has picked up the film yet, the team is targeting a 2026 release to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. The date also strategically avoids competing with Wonka 2, keeping the focus on Hershey’s real-life rags-to-riches tale .
Social Media Buzz
Reactions online have ranged from excitement about the cast to jokes about chocolate-themed puns. One Facebook user quipped, “Will there be hugs…and kisses?” referencing Hershey’s classic products . Others compared the project to Unfrosted, Netflix’s recent Pop-Tart comedy, though Waters insists Hershey will balance heart and history .
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Sources: CBR
