Hershey’s Chocolate Biopic: The Sweet Love Story Behind the Iconic Brand

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In an amusing twist hinted at on Apple TV’s “The Studio,” it appears that Hershey’s Chocolate will have its own movie, and the founders are the stars. With films like “The Lego Movie,” “Barbie,” and “A Minecraft Movie” already under our belts, it seems like anything might get a feature-length treatment. Admittedly, a film about a chocolate company’s origins may seem peculiar, but considering we’ve had three movies centered around Willy Wonka, it shouldn’t be too surprising. Nevertheless, keep an eye out for Hershey’s big screen debut, as it won’t just be the candy you snack on before the show.

According to Variety, director Mark Waters has agreed to helm the movie titled “Hershey,” starring Alexandra Daddario and Finn Wittrock. The film will chronicle the lives of Milton Hershey (Wittrock) and his spouse Kitty (Daddario), as they establish the legendary chocolate brand and engage in numerous charitable activities. Among these endeavors, the couple founded the Hershey Industrial School in 1909, which offered free education and housing to orphans and underprivileged children. Additionally, the school facilitated the development of recreational facilities, theaters, and public transportation for workers living near the town where the chocolate factory was constructed. On the project, Waters commented:

Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Milton attained remarkable success. Unlike many affluent men of his era, he generously distributed his prosperity among the working class and his community. The heart of the film ‘Hershey‘ will revolve around the unique romantic tale between Milton and Catherine Hershey, whose inspirational relationship sparked the establishment of the Milton Hershey School, a legacy that captivates us. I’m thrilled to announce Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as the actors portraying these visionaries, who were dedicated to making the world a better place – a heartwarming, real-life story that today’s audience yearns for.

The film “Hersey” will start shooting in May 2025, right here in Pennsylvania – the same location where the first Hershey factory was constructed. The movie is planned for release in 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Hershey’s chocolate debut. In a statement about the project, Michele Buck, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, expressed her thoughts as follows:

Milton Hershey’s tale is a vivid portrayal of the American Dream. This upcoming movie will unveil not only the creation of a chocolate empire by Milton and Kitty, but also their achievement of something much more profound – a legacy encompassing education, community, and opportunities for countless individuals. We are honored to back a production that brings to light the complete Hershey narrative – one filled with perseverance, foresight, and influence that resonates powerfully even today.

The Rise of Brand Movies and What Will Separate Hershey from the Rest

2023 marked the surge of biographical films focusing on famous brand origins, with “Hershey” being the latest addition to this trend. Movies such as “Air”, “Flamin Hot”, “Tetris”, and “BlackBerry” were all released in quick succession that year, delving into the backstories of products like Nike’s Air Jordans, Flamin Hot Cheetos, the video game Tetris, and the mobile phone BlackBerry. Although these films can be entertaining, they occasionally give off an advertising-like vibe, putting emphasis on the popular brands rather than the people who create them.

Personally, I find “Hershey” to appear as a film delving deeper into the lives of the individuals who built the legendary company, rather than solely focusing on the chocolate. Furthermore, this movie seems to shed light on how these pioneering entrepreneurs reinvested in their community, enhancing the living conditions of their employees and neighbors during an era when today’s billion-dollar corporation leaders are opposing initiatives such as education, transportation, and arts programs. Pete Gurt, president of the Milton Hershey School, seems to echo this theme after the film’s announcement, stating: “It is clear that the focus of the movie will be on the compassionate spirit and community-driven approach of the founders.

The Hersheys, Milton and Catherine, are most renowned not for chocolate, but for establishing a home and educational institution for countless underprivileged children. As a former student of the Milton Hershey School, I’ve witnessed the impact of their vision on lives firsthand. This film recounts the tale that stirred immense generosity and a legacy that continues today in every pupil and alumnus of our institution. It serves as a testament that genuine success isn’t about what you amass, but about what you share.

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2025-04-08 23:32