Hershey Company Announces Biographical Film of Founder for 2026 Release

A new movie telling Milton S. Hershey's story will come to theaters in 2026. Actors Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario will portray Milton and Catherine Hershey on the big screen.

"Mean Girls" director Mark Waters takes charge, with filming starting next May throughout Pennsylvania. "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 Waters to Entertainment Weekly.

From major failures to sweet success, the movie follows the candy maker's journey. His third try at business hit the jackpot when he sold his caramel company for $1 million, making way for his chocolate ambitions.

Michele Buck, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, spoke highly of the upcoming movie. "Milton Hershey's story exemplifies the American Dream," said Buck to Variety.

His innovative milk chocolate method in 1900 transformed everything. By figuring out new ways to use fresh milk, he made chocolate something regular families across America could buy.

The movie reveals how one person's dream built more than just a factory - it made a whole town come alive. Houses, schools, and businesses popped up as workers and their families made their home in Pennsylvania.

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

His most daring choice came in 1918. Instead of keeping his wealth, he put it in trusts to help orphaned children. Today, that decision continues to transform young lives while keeping ties to the chocolate company.