Reel Steel NewsBeyond the Cinerama Dome is a Pittsburgh-based publication and Pittsburgh, if you didn’t know, is the Hollywood of Appalachia.*
*This is a nickname I have given to the city, but I’m expecting it will catch on soon.
“Hershey” Wraps Filming in Pittsburgh
Have you heard? Something sweet is coming to a theater near you in 2026.
Have you heard? Something sweet is coming to a theater near you in 2026.
Timed to be released to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States, Hershey will tell the story of one of the most iconic candy companies in American history. While Milton Hershey, played by Finn Wittrock, might be most known outside of the Keystone state for his work in chocolate, those residing in Pennsylvania know that Milton cared deeply about education and building a community. In Hershey, PA, you can find the Milton Hershey School, a private school for low-income individuals aged 4–15.
At the helm of Hershey is director Mark Waters who is most known for comedies like Mean Girls, Freaky Friday, Just Like Heaven, and more. Waters will be directing a script written by Sharon Paul and Timothy Michael Hayes. Alongside Wittrock as Milton will be Alexandra Daddario (The White Lotus) as Catherine “Kitty” Hershey. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Alan Ruck (Succession), Richard Kind (Only Murders in the Building), and over 1,500 background actors, primarily from the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Courtesy of Hershey
“As we wrap, I feel most grateful to the people of Pennsylvania, who have supported us and actively participated in making this shoot a success,” said Waters. “I feel immense pride in what we’ve been able to do here, particularly in the fully committed performances of Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario, who have given their hearts and souls to portray two figures whose legacy still resonates today."
Hershey was shot across 17 locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Hershey, Harmony, Smithfield, and Ligonier. Seventy-four sets were built to showcase the rise of Milton from humble beginnings to the chocolate empire we know today. The film spans from the early 1870s to the late 1910s and features almost 300 period-accurate principal costumes. That’s not to mention the 2,000+ background costumes!
Of course, a movie about Milton Hershey wouldn’t be complete without a couple thousands of pieces of chocolate to boot.
Check out behind-the-scenes photos from the set of Hershey!
