June 29, 2026
For more than a decade, the idea of telling Milton Hershey’s story on the big screen lingered as a possibility. We explored different content formats while scripts surfaced and conversations started. But momentum for a movie came and went.
It wasn’t for lack of interest. It was the scale of the story itself and the responsibility that came with telling it. For me, that changed when the right script, the right partners and the right timing finally aligned. It was October 26, 2021. That’s when I knew we were really going to make a movie. And that’s how I became a producer.
The Story of a Living Legacy
Most people know the Hershey’s brand, but few know the story behind it. As I often say, it is one of the greatest stories never told – until now. HERSHEY debuts in theaters nationwide on November 25 ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and Angel Studios just dropped the official trailer. The film stars Finn Wittrock (The Big Short, Don’t Move, American Horror Story) and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, True Detective, San Andreas) and is directed by Mark Waters.
The movie centers on Milton Hershey at the turn of the 20th century and his belief that business could be a force for good. From that belief came a company, a school and a community built to endure. By 1909, with his chocolate company on the rise, Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” signed a deed of trust founding Milton Hershey School, a home and school for children in need.
From that belief came a company, a school and a community built to endure. Milton structured it so the two would always be connected: He left his ownership of The Hershey Company to a Trust set up to support the school, ensuring that the success of the business would directly help students for generations to come.
More than a century later, every Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar, Reese’s Peanut Butter cup, and snack people buy helps cover the cost of an exceptional education and a home for students who need it most. It’s what keeps us rooted in the same belief we started with: Making More Moments of Goodness.
Built with Intention, Designed for Impact
Sitting with versions of multiple movie projects for more than a decade taught me that a story like Milton’s only works if you give it the room and respect it deserves. As a producer, my role was to help protect what makes this story true.
From the start, our Hershey entity partners and I helped shape the story – reviewing scripts, working through how Milton and Catherine would be portrayed, and ensuring key moments reflected the spirit of who they were. That included everything from IP and brand considerations to creative choices that influence how audiences experience the story.
We knew this must not be a 90-minute commercial, and that was the lens for everything. It had to stand on its own as a film people would choose to watch, connect with, remember, and hopefully rewatch again and again. Over seven and a half weeks of filming, I was on set and worked alongside partners who understood and shared that vision.
A Strategic Content Platform
HERSHEY is part of a broader effort to bring our story into culture in a more immersive way. Film allows us to reach people differently. It creates emotional connection at scale.
What happens on screen extends into how we show up beyond it:
- In theaters, where shared experiences bring people together
- At retail, through limited-edition products that connect the past to the present
- Across our brand portfolio, where we’re already part of the occasions people value most
This is one of the most expansive ways we’ve ever told our story. And it creates new entry points for people to engage with what Hershey stands for.
Why This Film Matters
Audiences are looking for reasons to come together to feel good – hopeful even. Milton Hershey’s story, built on perseverance, generosity and belief in others, meets that moment directly. It’s an opportunity to share the origin of a company shaped by purpose, and a founder whose vision has had a lasting positive impact. You really can’t help but smile when you watch it!
At its core, this film is about what that history represents today. For our business, this creates a unique chance to share something deeper, adding depth to every interaction with our brands and turning everyday snacking moments into something more meaningful.
Looking Ahead
This has been a long journey. And for me, it’s a very personal one. I’ve spent years thinking about how this story should be told and what it should feel like on screen.
I’ll be there opening day with my family, watching alongside audiences viewing it for the first time, seeing how they connect with it, and hoping they walk away with the same sense of inspiration that has stayed with me throughout this process.
Milton was a humble man, and I think he would blush if he saw the movie today. But I also think he would recognize himself in it, and that is what makes this film one we are proud to put our name on.
FAQs
When does HERSHEY debut in theaters?
HERSHEY debuts in theaters nationwide on November 25, 2026.
What is the film about?
The film centers on Milton Hershey at the turn of the 20th century and the belief that business could be a force for good. It follows the founding story behind the Hershey’s brand, the creation of Milton Hershey School and the enduring connection between the company and its philanthropic mission.
Who stars in and directs the film?
HERSHEY stars Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario and is directed by Mark Waters. Additional cast members include Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, Heléne Yorke. Screenplay by Sharon Paul with Timothy Michael Hayes, Will Hardy and Bubba Fulcher.
Where can people learn more?
People can learn more at www.HersheyLegacy.org.
HERSHEY is a Dandelion Media production in partnership with the Hershey Entities (The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company) and in association with Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group and RCM3. UTA Independent Film Group will be representing worldwide rights.