Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, and Heléne Yorke Join Cast of HERSHEY as Principal Photography Continues Across Pennsylvania
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.