Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, and Heléne Yorke Join Cast of HERSHEY as Principal Photography Continues Across Pennsylvania
Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario to Star as Milton and Catherine Hershey in a Dandelion Media Production, in Collaboration with Hershey Entities
HERSHEY, Pa., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dandelion Media and Hershey Entities announced today the full cast of the feature film HERSHEY. The announcement coincides with principal photography throughout Pennsylvania, which began May 12 in Pittsburgh and will continue through the end of June at additional locations in Hershey, Harmony, Smithfield, Ligonier, and more.
A film by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Mr. Popper's Penguins), HERSHEY is based on the life of company founder Milton S. Hershey, starring Finn Wittrock (The Big Short, Don't Move, American Horror Story) as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus, True Detective, San Andreas) as his wife, Catherine "Kitty" Hershey.
Newly announced cast members include:
- Alan Ruck (Succession, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) as Milton's father Henry Hershey, whose lofty ambitions, but tragic abandonment of his family set the stage for Milton's journey.
- Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building, Curb Your Enthusiasm) as inspirational confectioner Joseph Royer who gave young Milton his first candy-making job.
- David Costabile (Billions, Breaking Bad) as villain and fictitious rival candymaker Tobias Thornhill.
- Heléne Yorke (The Other Two, The Good Fight) as Kitty Hershey's best friend Margaret.
The ensemble also includes Michael Moreland Milligan (Chicago Fire) as longtime friend and business partner Harry "Lebbie" Lebkicher, Francesca Faridany (Manifest) as Fanny Hershey, Milton's devoted mother, Daniel David Stewart (Catch-22) as William Murrie, The Hershey Company's pioneering general manager and Dina Spybey-Waters (Just Like Heaven) as Aunt Mattie Snavely, a guiding figure in Hershey's early life.
Additional filmmakers include Director of Photography Ed Wu, Production Designer Neil Patel, Costume Designer Katie Irish, and Casting Director Julie Schubert.
Said Director Mark Waters, "Pennsylvania gives us unique and rich locations that seem frozen in time, transporting us back to the turn of the century. Boasting well-preserved historic settings and stunning landscapes, the state is the perfect setting for recreating pivotal moments from the life and legacy of Milton Hershey."
HERSHEY is a Dandelion Media production, in collaboration with Hershey Entities, and in association with Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group and RCM3. The project is produced by Sharon Paul, Mark Tilghman, Mary Aloe, Joshua Harris, and Will Hardy, with executive producers Daniel Hank, Joseph Lanius, Flip and Susan Flippen, and Joanne Marlowe. The screenplay is by Sharon Paul and Timothy Michael Hayes. UTA Independent Film Group is representing worldwide rights.
The major motion picture is scheduled for release in 2026, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States. HERSHEY will bring to life the powerful story of a man who overcame early failure to build one of the world's most iconic brands, and whose greatest legacy lies not in chocolate but in his enduring contributions to education, community, and opportunity through Milton Hershey School.
Ruck is represented by IAG, Mark Teitelbaum at Teitelbaum Artists Group, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.
Kind is represented by Innovative Artists.
Costabile is represented by Verve, Garter Group and GGSSC.
Yorke is represented by UTA, Regarding Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.
Waters is represented by UTA; Wittrock is represented by CAA, Mosaic and Weissenbach Management, and Schreck Rose Dapello; Daddario is represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment; Paul and Tilghman are represented by Convergence Media Law.
About HERSHEY
HERSHEY is the inspiring true story of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the iconic Hershey Company and Milton Hershey School, starring Finn Wittrock as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as Catherine "Kitty" Hershey. Directed by Mark Waters (Mean Girls, Spiderwick Chronicles, Mr. Popper's Penguins), with a screenplay by Sharon Paul and Timothy Michael Hayes, the film chronicles Hershey's rags-to-riches journey and his profound impact on the world. Produced by Sharon Paul and Mark Tilghman (Dandelion Media), Mary Aloe (Aloe Entertainment), Joshua Harris (Peachtree Group), and Will Hardy, with executive producers Daniel Hank, Joseph Lanius, Flip and Susan Flippen and Joanne Marlowe (RCM3), HERSHEY celebrates imagination, generosity, and, of course, the delight of chocolate. Scheduled for release in 2026, this major motion picture is set to captivate audiences with the origin story of one of the world's most beloved brands and the love story that inspired it all. The feature film will showcase the enduring spirit of its namesake and his timeless message: spreading joy through innovation, perseverance and kindness.
About Dandelion Media
"Hope Through Story" is the mission of Dandelion Media. Founded by Sharon Paul and Mark Tilghman, the company produces impactful movies and television series. Dandelion Media is committed to risk-mitigated independent film financing, proprietary audience research and impeccable storytelling. With projects such as HERSHEY, Vivaldi, Strong Women, Strong World, and Silent Night, Dandelion Media champions stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a legacy of hope.
About Hershey Entities
For generations, the name Hershey has been synonymous with beloved chocolate and snacking products around the world, and the legacy of founder Milton Hershey extends far beyond these iconic treats. Milton established five key entities that continue to create moments of goodness and serve the community today. Entities include The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company. While each entity operates separately, they all embody Milton Hershey's profound philosophy: "One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy and only useful as he contributes his influences for the finer callings in life." This guiding principle continues to inspire Hershey's ongoing legacy.
About Aloe Entertainment
Mary Aloe is considered one of the top independent packaging producers and film finance experts in Los Angeles. Aloe has produced and/or financed over 51 films, most recently Freud's Last Session starring Anthony Hopkins for Sony and the critically acclaimed Rumours starring Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander and Charles Dance. Aloe Entertainment's upcoming slate includes Alpha Gang starring Cate Blanchett, Dave Baustista, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Birds of Prey starring Maria Bakalova and Tin Solider starring Jamie Foxx and Robert DeNiro. www.aloeentertainment.com
About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate, and inclusive of film and media finance. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com
About UTA
UTA unites ideas, opportunities and talent. The company represents some of the world's most iconic, barrier-breaking artists, creators and changemakers—from actors, athletes and musicians to writers, gamers and digital influencers. One of the most influential companies in global entertainment, UTA's business spans talent representation, content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with some of the world's biggest brands. Affiliated companies include Digital Brand Architects, KLUTCH Sports Group, Curtis Brown Group, and MediaLink. UTA is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York and London.
About RCM3
RCM3 is a groundbreaking entertainment company redefining how studios and entertainment investors approach project funding. With an exclusive global license to the Credit Participation Certificate™ (CPC™) for entertainment, RCM3 offers Cashless Investment solutions that empower sponsors to invest in high-potential film, television, and documentary projects without deploying their own cash. RCM3 enables studios and investors to unlock substantial amounts of capital while preserving liquidity, enhancing balance sheets, and minimizing risk. RCM3 is paving the way for sustainable growth in entertainment.
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SOURCE The Hershey Company