#United States #Pennsylvania #Hershey Company #Milton Hershey #Alexandra Daddario

HERSHEY Movie Completes Filming in Pennsylvania

The highly anticipated film HERSHEY has successfully concluded its principal photography in Pennsylvania after an impressive duration of over seven weeks. Directed by Mark Waters, best known for Mean Girls, the film delves into the remarkable journey of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the iconic chocolate brand, while placing emphasis on his profound contributions to education and the community.

Starring Finn Wittrock as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as his devoted wife Catherine, the film showcases a cast that includes notable actors such as Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, and David Costabile among others. The production took place across 17 varying locations within Pennsylvania including Pittsburgh, Hershey, and Ligonier, capturing the essence of Hershey's legacy through 74 intricately designed sets that reflect the range of his life from humble beginnings to becoming a titan in the chocolate industry.

Mark Waters expressed his gratitude towards the Pennsylvanian community for their support throughout the filming process. He highlighted the commendable performances by Wittrock and Daddario, noting the depth they brought to their respective roles. “I feel immense pride in what we’ve been able to achieve here, particularly in the fully committed performances of Finn and Alexandra, portraying figures whose legacy resonates to this day,” he stated passionately.

HERSHEY vividly chronicles nearly five decades of Milton Hershey’s life, starting from the early 1870s to the late 1910s. To authentically reflect the era, Daddario wore 54 custom-designed costumes, each marking different stages of her character’s journey. In total, the film boasts nearly 300 period-accurate principal costumes and over 2,000 costumes for background actors. The production made significant use of local talent, with 1,500 background actors from nearby communities participating, portraying the evolution of the Hershey factory town and showcasing the iconic Milton Hershey School.

As the film moves into its post-production phase, it is slated for a 2026 release in order to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. A fun fact: during production, countless pieces of chocolate were utilized, integrating Hershey's delicious background into the movie experience.

Produced in collaboration with Dandelion Media, along with associated partners Aloe Entertainment and Peachtree Group, HERSHEY promises to be a celebration of innovation, generosity, and the sweet joy of chocolate. It envisions an inspiring narrative that not only tell the story of a beloved brand but also the love story that ignited the flame of Hershey’s vision.

Dandelion Media, founded by Sharon Paul and Mark Tilghman, aligns with a mission of