A New Trailer Drops
Angel Studios premiered the inaugural full trailer for its upcoming feature Hershey on Monday, marking the first public glimpse of the studio’s ambitious portrait of America’s chocolate legend. The clip introduces Finn Wittrock as Milton S. Hershey, the determined confectioner who transformed a series of early setbacks into a global candy empire, while Alexandra Daddario portrays his wife, Catherine “Kitty” Hershey. The trailer sets the tone for a Thanksgiving‑weekend release, aiming to attract families seeking a heart‑warming story during the holiday season.
Plot and Time Span
The narrative spans roughly five decades, beginning in the early 1870s and concluding in the late 1910s. Director Mark Waters (known for Mean Girls and Freaky Friday) traces Milton’s repeated business failures—each misstep serves as a stepping stone toward the creation of the Hershey empire. Beyond the candy‑making triumph, the film delves into the couple’s later philanthropy, most notably the founding of the Milton Hershey School in 1909. A standout line from Wittrock delivers the film’s mantra: “Candy is not my business; candy is my obsession.” Later, Daddario’s Kitty urges him to abandon perfectionism, advising, “Milton, you keep chasing perfection, when maybe you should be chasing magic.”
Star‑Studded Cast
- Finn Wittrock portrays Milton Hershey, capturing both the inventor’s relentless drive and his personal vulnerabilities.
- Alexandra Daddario takes on the role of Catherine Hershey, portraying a supportive partner who challenges Milton to seek wonder beyond precision.
- The ensemble includes Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, and Heléne Yorke, adding depth to the supporting roster.
The screenplay was penned by Bubba Fulcher, Will Hardy, and Timothy Michael Hayes, ensuring a script that balances historical detail with dramatic tension.
Production Locations
Filming took place across seventeen Pennsylvanian sites, encompassing Pittsburgh, Hershey, Harmony, Smithfield, and Ligonier. The production collaborated closely with the Hershey Entities, Dandelion Media, Aloe Entertainment, Peachtree Group, and RCM3, leveraging local resources to recreate the early‑20th‑century American landscape. The meticulous attention to authentic settings underscores the film’s commitment to historical fidelity.
Studio Vision and Faith‑Based Appeal
Angel Studios has built a reputation for faith‑adjacent, values‑driven storytelling, a slate that previously includes the polarizing hit Sound of Freedom. Critics who previewed the footage note that Hershey fits squarely within this tradition, presenting Hershey as a benevolent industrialist who refused to slash worker wages even when his enterprise teetered on the brink of collapse. The studio’s strategy emphasizes earnest, uplifting narratives—steering clear of cynicism at a time when corporate biopics often invite parody.
Early Critical Impressions
Initial reviews describe the trailer as unapologetically sincere, framing Milton Hershey as a visionary who prioritized his workforce and the community. The trailer’s tone resonates with audiences seeking inspirational true‑to‑life stories, especially during a season centered on family gatherings. The absence of irony positions Hershey as a potential counterpoint to the more cynical tones prevalent in contemporary Hollywood biopics.
Philanthropic Legacy
Beyond confectionery success, the film highlights the Hershey couple’s transformative philanthropy. After Milton’s death in 1945, the bulk of his fortune was bequeathed to the Milton Hershey School, an institution founded with Catherine in 1909 to educate orphaned and disadvantaged children. The school continues to operate today, embodying the couple’s enduring commitment to social welfare— a theme that the film explores in its final act.
Release Details and Marketing
The feature is slated to open on November 25, one day before Thanksgiving, strategically timed to capture holiday foot traffic. The Hershey Company has leveraged its corporate channels to promote the trailer, marking a rare alignment between a publicly traded confectioner and an independent, crowd‑funded studio. This synergy underscores the film’s dual appeal: a cinematic tribute to a beloved American brand and a testament to the power of perseverance and generosity.
