Hershey Movie (2026): Release Date, Cast, Trailer and the True Story
The Hershey movie opens in US theatres on 25 November 2026. Finn Wittrock plays chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario plays his wife Kitty, in a film directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday). Yes, it is based on a true story: the real Milton Hershey, who failed in business before building an empire and leaving his fortune to a school for orphans. It is rated PG and runs about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Hershey opens in US theatres on 25 November 2026.When is the Hershey movie coming out?
Angel Studios lists the US theatrical release as Wednesday 25 November 2026, the day before Thanksgiving. Some outlets quote 26 November because the film is billed as a Thanksgiving release, but Angel’s own page and the major ticketing listings show 25 November. The first official trailer arrived on 29 June 2026.
At the time of writing we found no announced dates for countries outside the US, so UK, Canadian and Australian readers should check local listings.
Who is in the Hershey movie cast?
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Finn Wittrock | Milton Hershey |
| Alexandra Daddario | Catherine “Kitty” Hershey |
| Alan Ruck | Supporting role (not detailed in official material) |
| Richard Kind | Supporting role (not detailed in official material) |
| David Costabile | Supporting role (not detailed in official material) |
| Heléne Yorke | Supporting role (not detailed in official material) |
Behind the camera, the announcement credits the screenplay to Bubba Fulcher, Will Hardy and Timothy Michael Hayes. The film comes from Dandelion Media in collaboration with the Hershey entities, and its makers say they were given access to the company’s archives and historians.
What is the Hershey movie about?
The official synopsis follows Milton from bankruptcy to huge success as a candy maker, with Kitty helping him build a legacy. When Kitty falls ill, his optimism is tested, and she inspires an even bigger dream: to leave their fortune to America’s orphans. Director Mark Waters has said the heart of the film is the love story between Milton and Kitty, which led to the creation of the Milton Hershey School.
Is the Hershey movie a true story?
Yes. It is a dramatisation of the real lives of Milton and Kitty Hershey. Because the film has not been released yet, we cannot say which scenes are invented. What we can do is set out the documented history it is built on.
| Year | What the historical record says |
|---|---|
| 1857 | Milton Snavely Hershey is born in Derry Township, Pennsylvania |
| Early career | He fails in business before finding success with caramels at the Lancaster Caramel Company |
| 1898 | He marries Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney on 25 May; the couple never have children |
| 1900 | He sells the caramel company for $1 million to focus on chocolate |
| 1905 | His new factory in his home township is completed and a town grows around it |
| 1909 | He and Kitty found the Hershey Industrial School for orphaned boys (now the Milton Hershey School); sources describe it as Kitty’s idea |
| 1915 | Kitty dies on 25 March |
| 1918 | Milton transfers nearly all his assets to the school’s trust |
| 1945 | He dies on 13 October, aged 88 |
We will update this section once the film is out and we can compare it with the history above.
What is the Hershey movie rated?
The MPA rated it PG for some thematic elements and brief language. Angel’s own parent community recommends ages 8 and up, citing illness, grief and loss, plus mild language including one use of “hell”. Expect an emotional, family-friendly drama rather than anything frightening.
Where can you watch the Hershey movie?
Angel Studios describes the release as theatres only, with tickets sold through Angel and major cinema chains. No digital or streaming date had been announced in the sources we checked, so we will update this page when one is confirmed.
Where was the Hershey movie filmed?
Filming took place across Pennsylvania, including Hershey, Harmony, Smithfield, Ligonier and Pittsburgh, and reports mention around 17 locations in total. Production began in May 2025.
Is there a Hershey movie trailer?
Yes. Angel Studios released the first official trailer on 29 June 2026. It shows Milton and Kitty building the company and focuses on the couple’s love story and Milton’s early failures.
Hershey movie FAQ
Who plays Milton Hershey in the movie?
Finn Wittrock plays Milton Hershey.
Who plays Kitty Hershey?
Alexandra Daddario plays Catherine “Kitty” Hershey.
Who directed the Hershey movie?
Mark Waters, whose earlier films include Mean Girls and Freaky Friday.
How long is the Hershey movie?
About 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes) according to Angel and major ticketing sites.
Is the Hershey movie suitable for kids?
It is rated PG and Angel’s community suggests ages 8 and up, mainly because of illness and loss.
Is the Hershey movie only in theatres?
For now, yes. No streaming or digital release has been announced.
Did Milton Hershey really leave his fortune to orphans?
Yes. In 1918 he transferred nearly all his assets to the trust that supports the school he and Kitty founded for orphaned boys.
Sources
Release, rating and plot details from the official Angel Studios Hershey FAQ, the trailer announcement from Hershey, PA, and The Hollywood Reporter. Historical dates from the Hershey Community Archives. Last updated 25 October 2026.
-->
0 Comments