A Candy King’s Rise: Mark Waters Brings Milton Hershey’s Untold Story to the Big Screen in 2026

2 Min Read
A Candy King’s Rise: Mark Waters Brings Milton Hershey’s Untold Story to the Big Screen in 2026
Photo courtesy of James A. Mahathey, HERSHEY. All Rights Reserved.

As primary production wrapped on HERSHEY, the film’s director, Mark Waters, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming release. While Hershey’s is the great American chocolate bar, this film shares the story of the man behind the brand. Milton Hershey epitomized innovation, perseverance, and kindness behind the American dream.

Certain phrases have long been associated with Hershey’s. Whether it is the smile in every bar or the nod to pure happiness, the classic chocolate bar crosses generations, demographics, and cultures. That one candy is the foundation upon which a plethora of other candy brands stand.

That iconic food would not be possible without Milton S. Hershey. In the upcoming film, HERSHEY, the story tells the brand’s origin story through the lens of the man who built it. At the heart of the film is the concept that guided Hershey’s life, “spreading joy through innovation, perseverance, and kindness.”

Milton S. Hershey will always be associated with the candy world. But his rise to greatness came after many struggles. In the upcoming film, the story will show how his multiple failures fueled his resolve. His brand legacy unwraps sweet treats across the globe, and his personal legacy educates and connects communities closer to home.

When Hershey’s announced the film, the movie’s director, Mark Waters (Mean Girls), offered insight on the film’s direction. The story connects his business success, building community, and the love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey.

Waters said: “I believe HERSHEY is the kind of wonderful, true story that audiences are hungry for right now."

With principal photography complete, Waters reflected on the experience.

"As we wrap, I feel most grateful to the people of Pennsylvania, who have supported us and actively participated in making this shoot a success. I feel immense pride in what we've been able to do here, particularly in the fully committed performances of Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario, who have given their hearts and souls to portray two figures whose legacy still resonates today."

HERSHEY is a period piece set in Pennsylvania. From Milton’s humble beginnings in the 1870s to his final days in the 1910s, the multi-decade journey features meticulously crafted sets to capture authenticity. From period-accurate costumes to filming in Pennsylvania, the film seeks to celebrate an immersive world that captivates people’s hearts and inspires them.

Beyond the authenticity of filming in Pennsylvania, the movie’s leads, Finn Wittrock (The Big Short) as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario (White Lotus) as Catherine "Kitty" Hershey, bring the heartfelt love affair to life. They are joined by a robust cast of heavy hitters, including: Alan Ruck (Succession), Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building), David Costabile (Billions), Heléne Yorke (The Other Two), Michael Moreland Milligan (Chicago Fire), Francesca Faridany (Manifest), Daniel David Stewart (Catch-22) and Dina Spybey-Waters (Just Like Heaven).

HERSHEY, the movie, will be released in . The premiere is slated to coincide with Hershey’s 250th anniversary.


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