Lights, Camera, Chocolate: The Hershey Biopic Takes Over Pittsburgh's South Side

So, here’s the scoop: Pittsburgh's South Side is buzzing with excitement as the filming of the Hershey biopic rolls on. Yep, you heard that right! The movie about Milton Hershey, the guy behind the iconic chocolate bar, is being shot all over Pennsylvania, but the South Side is really getting the spotlight.

Bedford Square has been totally transformed into a movie set that takes us back to the late 1800s. I mean, it’s like stepping into a time machine! Crews are busy filming scenes, and you can see extras and horses lined up at the park on 13th Street. It’s a sight to behold, and locals are loving it. “It’s fun seeing them,” said Lisa Pettko, who’s been checking out the action.

And it’s not just Lisa. Rocco Crawley, another local, chimed in, “It’s nice! I like all the props.” Honestly, who wouldn’t? The South Side is alive with the hustle and bustle of movie-making, and folks are stopping by just to catch a glimpse of the lights, cameras, and all that action.

People in the neighborhood are super curious about the film. “I came down to take a look and see what they were doing down here; I heard they were filming a movie about the Hershey family,” Pettko shared. And then there’s Folake Olujide-Ajibade, who said, “My street was blocked off because I live, like, right around here. I was curious about what was going on, so I walked over here to see.”

Anna Lingeris from the Hershey Company told KDKA-TV that the production team is scouting the best spots in western Pennsylvania to tell the story of Milton Hershey and his wife, Kitty. It’s all about how their chocolate company became a massive empire. Pretty cool, right?

Residents are thrilled about their neighborhood being the backdrop for this film. Olujide-Ajibade mentioned, “I think they transformed it really nicely. You can’t really tell that it’s like Pittsburgh, besides the South Side’s sign on it.” She’s loving the vintage vibe, from the carriages to the decor. “It’s really cute,” she added.

What’s even sweeter is that they’re filming in the state where the Hershey Company was born. It’s like a homecoming for the story! Filming is set to wrap up by the end of June, and the movie is slated for release in 2026. Can you believe it?

Pettko can’t wait to see the final product. “I can’t wait to see the movie so I can see who I know and see if I can recognize the buildings I pass every day. It’s not every day it’s happening right where you live,” she said, and honestly, who wouldn’t feel the same way?

So, if you’re in the area, keep your eyes peeled. You might just catch a glimpse of the magic happening right in your backyard. The Hershey biopic is not just a film; it’s a piece of local history being brought to life, and it’s all happening in the heart of Pittsburgh.