A new movie called “Hershey” will tell the story of how the famous chocolate company was founded. The film will star Finn Wittrock as Milton Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as his wife, Kitty. Directed by Mark Waters, known for movies like “Mean Girls” and “Freaky Friday,” the movie will begin filming in Pennsylvania in May and is set to be released in 2026.
Milton Hershey, alongside his wife Kitty, created a candy empire that led to a charitable legacy. They founded the Hershey Industrial School in 1909, offering free education and housing to orphans and underprivileged children. Before his passing, Milton established the Milton Hershey School Trust, which became one of the largest educational endowments in the country. The Hersheys also developed a town around their chocolate factory, providing amenities like theaters, recreation centers, and public transportation for their workers.
The movie is produced by Dandelion Media, in partnership with the Hershey Entities, and will be released in 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary. It aims to showcase the special love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey and their dedication to making the world a better place through their philanthropic efforts. The film will highlight Milton Hershey’s generosity and vision beyond just creating a chocolate company.
Vocabulary List:
- Empire /ˈɛm.paɪər/ (noun): A large commercial organization owned or controlled by one person or group.
- Charitable /ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/ (adjective): Relating to the assistance of those in need.
- Legacy /ˈlɛɡ.ə.si/ (noun): Something handed down from an ancestor or from the past.
- Endowment /ɪnˈdaʊ.mənt/ (noun): The act of providing a permanent source of income for an institution.
- Amenities /əˈmiː.nɪ.tiz/ (noun): Features that provide comfort or convenience.
- Philanthropic /ˌfɪl.ənˈθrɒp.ɪk/ (adjective): Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.