Angel Studios has officially released the first teaser trailer and promotional poster for Hershey, an upcoming biographical drama chronicling the life of Milton S. Hershey and the founding of the world-renowned Hershey Chocolate Company. Directed by Mark Waters, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release during the Thanksgiving holiday window in November 2026. The production marks a significant expansion for Angel Studios, the distributor known for its community-driven funding model and the 2023 breakout hit Sound of Freedom, as it moves into the increasingly popular genre of corporate origin stories.
The film stars Finn Wittrock as Milton S. Hershey, the visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the American confectionery industry. Joining him is Alexandra Daddario as Catherine "Kitty" Hershey, Milton’s wife and a central figure in his philanthropic endeavors. The ensemble cast is rounded out by seasoned industry veterans including Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, and Helene Yorke. The screenplay is a collaborative effort by T.M. Hayes and Sharon Paul, based on a story developed by Paul, Mark Waters, Will Hardy, and Bubba Fulcher.
A Narrative of Resilience and Industrial Innovation
The narrative of Hershey focuses on the historical trajectory of Milton Hershey’s career, beginning with his early struggles in the candy industry. Long before the "Hershey’s" name became synonymous with milk chocolate, Milton Hershey faced a series of professional setbacks. In 1873, he established his first candy shop in Philadelphia, but the venture failed after six years of operation. Subsequent attempts to establish confectioneries in Chicago and New York City also met with financial disappointment.
The film depicts the pivotal moment in 1883 when Hershey returned to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and founded the Lancaster Caramel Company. It was here that he discovered a unique recipe for caramel using fresh milk, which led to his first major commercial success. The chronology of the film follows the evolution of his business interests, specifically his encounter with German chocolate-making machinery at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This event served as the catalyst for the creation of the Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary of his caramel business.
In 1900, Hershey sold his caramel company for $1 million—a staggering sum at the time—to focus exclusively on chocolate. That same year, the first Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar was produced. The film seeks to capture the industrial spirit of the era, showcasing the construction of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturing plant in Derry Church, Pennsylvania, which eventually became the town of Hershey.
The Influence of Catherine Hershey and Philanthropic Legacy
A core component of the film is the relationship between Milton and Catherine "Kitty" Hershey. Married in 1898, the couple’s partnership extended beyond their personal lives into significant social contributions. Because they were unable to have children of their own, the Hersheys turned their focus toward the welfare of others.
In 1909, they established the Hershey Industrial School, now known as the Milton Hershey School, a private residential school for orphaned boys. Director Mark Waters has emphasized that this philanthropic mission is the emotional heart of the film. Following Catherine’s untimely death in 1915, Milton Hershey famously endowed the school with his entire fortune, including his controlling interest in the Hershey Chocolate Company. This trust continues to fund the school today, making it one of the wealthiest educational institutions in the United States.
"Just about everyone knows the Hershey name through chocolate, but what immediately drew me to Milton’s story were the obstacles and struggles he overcame to achieve his success," director Mark Waters stated in a press release accompanying the trailer. "And then, unlike many wealthy men of his time, he chose to share that success with the working people and the community around him. That spirit, embodied by the love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey, is the core of our movie."
Director and Production Background
Mark Waters brings a diverse filmography to the project. Known for helming iconic early-2000s comedies such as Mean Girls and Freaky Friday, Waters has recently shifted toward more varied projects, including The Spiderwick Chronicles and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Hershey represents a departure from his comedic roots, leaning into a more sentimental and inspirational biographical tone.
The production is led by producers Mary Aloe, Joshua Harris, Sharon Paul, Mark Tilghman, and Will Hardy. The aesthetic presented in the teaser trailer suggests a stylized period piece, utilizing warm palettes and dramatic lighting to evoke the turn-of-the-century American landscape. The dialogue highlights the aspirational themes of the script, with the trailer featuring the line: "You keep chasing perfection, when maybe you should be chasing magic."
Strategic Context: The Rise of the Brand Biopic
The release of Hershey coincides with a broader cinematic trend often referred to as the "brand biopic." In recent years, audiences have seen a surge in films detailing the origins of iconic products and corporations, such as Air (Nike), BlackBerry, Tetris, and Unfrosted (Pop-Tarts). These films typically blend historical fact with dramatized corporate intrigue, appealing to a demographic interested in American industrial history and entrepreneurial success stories.
However, Hershey appears to distinguish itself by focusing heavily on the humanitarian aspect of its subject. While films like The Founder (McDonald’s) explore the more ruthless side of capitalism, Angel Studios’ production seems designed to highlight the "benevolent capitalist" archetype. This aligns with the studio’s brand identity, which often prioritizes uplifting and values-based content.
Angel Studios’ Distribution Model
Angel Studios has emerged as a disruptive force in the traditional Hollywood distribution model. By utilizing a "Guild" of thousands of individual investors and fans who vote on which projects the studio should produce and distribute, Angel Studios has built a loyal, built-in audience for its releases.
The decision to slate Hershey for a Thanksgiving 2026 release is a strategic move. The holiday period is traditionally a high-traffic window for family-friendly and inspirational dramas. By positioning a film about an iconic American brand during a time associated with tradition and family, Angel Studios aims to capture a broad cross-section of the domestic market.
Market Analysis and Industry Implications
The announcement of the Hershey biopic has generated significant discussion within the film industry regarding the viability of historical corporate dramas. Market analysts suggest that the "Hershey" brand carries immense cultural capital, which could translate into strong box-office performance if the film successfully captures the public’s imagination.
Supporting data indicates that biographical dramas centered on recognizable American figures consistently perform well in the secondary streaming market after their theatrical runs. Furthermore, the involvement of Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario provides the film with contemporary star power. Wittrock, a multi-time Emmy nominee known for his work in American Horror Story and The Big Short, brings a reputation for intense character work. Daddario, following her critically acclaimed performance in The White Lotus, brings significant social media reach and mainstream appeal.
The film also serves as a marketing vehicle for the historical legacy of the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, which remains a major tourist destination featuring Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark. While the Hershey Company is not officially listed as a production partner in the initial press materials, the film’s portrayal of the brand’s origins will undoubtedly impact public perception of the corporation.
Conclusion and Release Timeline
As the production moves toward its 2026 release, further details regarding the musical score, cinematography, and supporting cast are expected to be unveiled. The first look trailer has already ignited debate among critics regarding its tone and visual style, with some noting the film’s earnest, almost whimsical approach to industrial history.
Hershey is currently in the post-production phase. Following its Thanksgiving 2026 theatrical debut, the film is expected to transition to the Angel Studios streaming platform, consistent with the distributor’s previous release patterns. For now, the teaser trailer provides a glimpse into a project that seeks to transform the history of a chocolate bar into a sweeping epic of American ingenuity and philanthropy.
The official timeline for the film’s rollout includes:
- April 2026: Initial Teaser Trailer and Poster Release.
- Late 2026: Full-length Trailer and Marketing Campaign.
- November 2026: Nationwide Theatrical Premiere.
With its blend of historical drama, romance, and corporate mythology, Hershey represents a major gamble for Angel Studios as it attempts to solidify its place among major Hollywood players by telling the story of one of the world’s most enduring brands.
