Angel Studios has released the full official trailer for its much-anticipated film, Hershey, a cinematic exploration of the foundational journey behind the iconic Hershey chocolate company. This latest footage, which premiered on June 29, 2026, marks a significant shift in perception following an initial teaser that garnered widespread criticism for its perceived low production quality and anachronistic tone. The new trailer, by contrast, presents a compelling and engaging narrative, promising a historically rich portrayal of Milton S. Hershey’s relentless pursuit of confectionery innovation and the enduring legacy he forged in Pennsylvania. Directed by Mark Waters, the film stars Finn Wittrock as the visionary Milton S. Hershey and Alexandra Daddario as his equally influential wife, Catherine "Kitty" Hershey, alongside a notable ensemble cast including Alan Ruck, Richard Kind, David Costabile, and Heléne Yorke. Scheduled for a Thanksgiving 2026 release, Hershey aims to illuminate the human story behind one of America’s most beloved brands.
The Evolution of Expectation: From Skepticism to Anticipation
The journey of Hershey to the screen has been as intriguing as the history it seeks to depict. Early glimpses of the film, particularly the initial teaser trailer, were met with a mixture of confusion and amusement across social media platforms and film commentary sites. Critics and audiences alike questioned the teaser’s production values, its seemingly simplistic narrative approach, and its overall aesthetic, leading many to speculate if the project was a parody or a low-budget venture that had missed its mark. The phrase "hilariously bad" became a common descriptor, casting a shadow of doubt over the film’s potential to deliver a serious historical drama.
However, the unveiling of the full official trailer has largely assuaged these concerns, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround in public sentiment. The new footage showcases a vastly improved cinematic quality, with polished visuals, a more nuanced portrayal of its characters, and a narrative arc that hints at genuine dramatic depth. The trailer effectively conveys the struggles and triumphs of Milton Hershey, painting a picture of an ambitious entrepreneur who defied early failures to build a confectionery empire. It underscores the film’s commitment to exploring the personal sacrifices and visionary thinking that underpinned Hershey’s success, positioning the film not merely as a corporate promotional piece, but as a legitimate biographical drama. This strategic release of a more robust trailer demonstrates a deliberate effort by Angel Studios and the filmmaking team to recalibrate expectations and highlight the artistic merits of the project, moving beyond the initial misstep.
A Chronicle of Sweet Success: Milton Hershey’s Enduring Legacy
The film Hershey promises to delve into the intricate timeline of Milton S. Hershey’s entrepreneurial endeavors, tracing his path from humble beginnings to global recognition. Born in 1857 in Derry Church, Pennsylvania, Milton Hershey’s early life was marked by a series of apprenticeships and entrepreneurial ventures that often ended in failure. His resilience, however, proved to be his most potent asset.
His first significant step into the confectionery world came with a candy shop in Philadelphia in 1873, an initial foray that ultimately did not yield lasting success. Undeterred, Hershey continued to refine his craft and understanding of the market. A pivotal moment arrived in 1883 with the establishment of the Lancaster Caramel Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This venture proved to be a resounding success, allowing Hershey to accumulate capital and gain invaluable experience in large-scale candy production. It was during this period that his fascination with chocolate, then largely a luxury item consumed by the elite, began to solidify.
In 1893, while attending the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Hershey was captivated by a German chocolate-making exhibit. He purchased the equipment, marking a decisive pivot towards chocolate production. By 1894, he had established the Hershey Chocolate Company as a subsidiary of his caramel business. The year 1900 saw a groundbreaking innovation: the creation of the first Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar. This product was revolutionary, as Hershey perfected a process to mass-produce high-quality milk chocolate at an affordable price, making it accessible to the broader public. This democratized chocolate consumption, fundamentally changing the industry landscape. The film is expected to meticulously depict these crucial milestones, illustrating how Hershey’s vision not only built a company but also transformed the world’s relationship with chocolate.
The Visionaries: Portraying Milton and Kitty Hershey
Central to the narrative of Hershey is the dynamic relationship between Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine "Kitty" Hershey. Director Mark Waters himself emphasized that the "spirit, embodied by the love story between Milton & Catherine Hershey, is the core of our movie."
Finn Wittrock, known for his versatile performances in projects like American Horror Story and The Big Short, takes on the challenging role of Milton S. Hershey. Wittrock’s casting suggests an intention to portray Hershey with depth, capturing not only his entrepreneurial drive and innovative spirit but also the personal struggles and sacrifices that often accompany such ambition. His capacity to convey complex characters will be crucial in presenting Hershey as more than just a successful businessman, but as a man shaped by perseverance and vision.
Alexandra Daddario, acclaimed for her roles in The White Lotus and True Detective, steps into the shoes of Catherine "Kitty" Hershey. Kitty’s influence on Milton’s life and, crucially, on his philanthropic endeavors, cannot be overstated. Though often overshadowed by her husband’s public persona, Kitty was a vital partner, providing support and inspiration. Her inability to have children is believed to have profoundly influenced Milton’s decision to establish the Milton Hershey School, a boarding school for orphaned and underprivileged children. The film’s emphasis on their love story suggests a portrayal of Kitty not just as a supportive spouse, but as a driving force behind the humanitarian aspects of Hershey’s legacy. This dual portrayal of their personal and professional lives is expected to lend significant emotional weight to the film.
The supporting cast further enriches the film’s potential. Veteran actors such as Alan Ruck (Succession, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Richard Kind (Spin City, Inside Out), David Costabile (Breaking Bad, Billions), and Heléne Yorke (The Other Two, Masters of Sex) bring a wealth of experience and dramatic gravitas to the project. Their contributions are anticipated to provide a robust framework for the central narrative, populating Hershey’s world with compelling secondary characters who played a part in his journey.
Director Mark Waters and Angel Studios: A Confluence of Vision
Mark Waters, an American filmmaker with a diverse portfolio ranging from beloved comedies like Mean Girls and Freaky Friday to family-friendly fare such as Mr. Popper’s Penguins and The Spiderwick Chronicles, brings a unique perspective to Hershey. While largely known for his lighthearted and character-driven narratives, his experience in crafting engaging stories suggests an ability to infuse the historical biopic with both dramatic tension and emotional resonance. His statement regarding the film’s core—Milton’s perseverance, his philanthropy, and the love story with Kitty—underscores a departure from a purely corporate narrative, focusing instead on the human element. This signals an intent to create a film that resonates on a deeper, more inspirational level.
The choice of Angel Studios as the distributor is particularly noteworthy. Angel Studios has carved out a distinct niche in the film industry, specializing in faith-based, family-friendly, and inspirational content. Their recent successes, including Sound of Freedom and The Chosen, demonstrate a powerful connection with audiences who seek stories of hope, resilience, and moral fortitude. Hershey, with its themes of overcoming adversity, entrepreneurial spirit, and profound philanthropy, aligns perfectly with Angel Studios’ mission and target demographic. The story of Milton Hershey, who established a school for vulnerable children and built a model town around his factory, embodies the kind of uplifting narrative that Angel Studios champion. This partnership suggests that Hershey is positioned not just as a historical account, but as a film designed to inspire and educate, emphasizing the positive societal impact of its protagonist.
The Broader Landscape: Corporate Biopics and Brand Storytelling
The film Hershey enters a contemporary cinematic landscape increasingly populated by biopics centered on corporate origins and entrepreneurial figures. Recent years have seen a surge in films exploring the backstories of famous brands and their founders, such as Air (Nike), BlackBerry (RIM), Tetris (the video game), and Dumb Money (GameStop). This trend reflects a broader cultural fascination with the genesis of iconic companies and the often-dramatic lives of the individuals who built them. These films frequently navigate a delicate balance between historical accuracy, dramatic license, and the inherent marketing potential for the brands they depict.
The original article’s observation that Hershey is "just one big marketing movie designed to make the story of Hershey look even more inspiring so they can sell more chocolate today" encapsulates a common critique of such projects. While undoubtedly offering a celebratory narrative of the Hershey brand, the film also has the opportunity to delve into the complex realities of industrial development and the social responsibilities of corporate entities. The success of Hershey will likely hinge on its ability to transcend pure brand promotion and offer a nuanced portrayal of Milton Hershey’s life, acknowledging both his extraordinary achievements and the historical context in which they occurred. By focusing on his struggles, his relationship with Kitty, and his philanthropic legacy, the film appears to be aiming for a more substantive historical drama rather than a mere extended commercial. This approach allows the film to engage with universal themes of ambition, perseverance, love, and altruism, making it appealing beyond just chocolate enthusiasts.
The Enduring Legacy of Hershey: Beyond the Bar
Milton S. Hershey’s impact extends far beyond the creation of an affordable chocolate bar. His vision for a model community, Hershey, Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to his progressive ideals and deep commitment to social welfare. Beginning in 1903, he meticulously planned and developed a town around his factory, providing housing, schools, churches, recreational facilities, and a trolley system for his employees. This utopian vision was revolutionary for its time, aiming to create a thriving environment where workers could live and prosper.
Perhaps his most profound legacy is the Milton Hershey School. Established in 1909 with his wife Catherine, the school was designed to provide a free education and home for orphaned boys. Following Catherine’s passing in 1915, Milton transferred his entire personal fortune, including his ownership of the Hershey Chocolate Company, to a trust that would fund the school. Today, the Milton Hershey School continues its mission, providing a cost-free, private education to thousands of low-income students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This act of unparalleled philanthropy cemented Hershey’s place not just as an industrialist, but as a humanitarian whose vision continues to impact lives decades after his death. The film is poised to highlight this extraordinary aspect of his life, aligning with Angel Studios’ focus on inspirational stories that emphasize enduring values.
Production and Anticipated Release
The screenplay for Hershey is credited to T.M. Hayes and Sharon Paul, with a story developed by Sharon Paul, Mark Waters, Will Hardy, and Bubba Fulcher. The production team includes Mary Aloe, Joshua Harris, Sharon Paul, Mark Tilghman, and Will Hardy. This collaborative effort suggests a dedicated approach to crafting a narrative that is both historically grounded and cinematically compelling.
The choice of a Thanksgiving 2026 release window, specifically in November, is a strategic one. This period is traditionally a prime slot for family-oriented films and features with uplifting themes, as audiences often seek out feel-good entertainment during the holiday season. The film’s themes of overcoming adversity, community building, and philanthropy resonate strongly with the spirit of gratitude and generosity associated with Thanksgiving. By positioning Hershey during this competitive but lucrative window, Angel Studios aims to capture a broad audience looking for an inspiring story to share with loved ones.
In conclusion, the full trailer for Hershey has successfully pivoted the narrative surrounding the film from initial skepticism to genuine anticipation. By showcasing a commitment to quality filmmaking and a nuanced exploration of Milton S. Hershey’s life, his groundbreaking innovations, his profound love story with Catherine, and his enduring philanthropic legacy, the film promises to be more than just a corporate biopic. It aspires to be an inspiring historical drama that illuminates the human spirit behind one of the world’s most recognizable brands. As Thanksgiving 2026 approaches, the cinematic world awaits the full unfolding of this sweet, and potentially deeply moving, origin story.
