Alexandra Daddario New Movie: Why Hershey is More Than Just a Chocolate Biopic

Alexandra Daddario New Movie: Why Hershey is More Than Just a Chocolate Biopic

Honestly, it feels like Alexandra Daddario is everywhere lately. From the haunting bayous of Mayfair Witches to that iconic, tense run in The White Lotus, she has a knack for picking projects that just... stick. But if you’ve been looking for the Alexandra Daddario new movie that finally breaks her out of the "scream queen" or "prestige TV" box, 2026 is actually going to be your year.

She’s trading the supernatural spells for something way more sugary, but surprisingly grounded. We are talking about Hershey.

The Chocolate King’s Better Half: Catherine Hershey

Most people hear the name "Hershey" and think of a silver-wrapped bar or a theme park in Pennsylvania. Boring, right? Well, not exactly. The upcoming biopic, simply titled Hershey, is shaping up to be a massive period drama. Daddario has been cast as Kitty Hershey, the philanthropist wife of the chocolate mogul Milton Hershey (played by Finn Wittrock).

Think about this for a second.

Kitty wasn't just some socialite standing behind a wealthy man. She was the backbone. Mark Waters—the guy who directed Mean Girls, which is a wild pivot—is at the helm here. He’s gone on record saying the core of this film isn't just about factory lines or sugar ratios. It’s a love story. It’s about how these two visionaries basically built a utopia for their workers.

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Filming kicked off in Pennsylvania, and since it’s slated for a 2026 release, the buzz is already starting to build. It’s a big swing for Daddario. We’re used to seeing her in high-intensity, often dark roles. Seeing her play a historical figure known for her "extraordinary generosity" is a pivot that fans (and likely Academy voters) are going to be watching very closely.

Getting Stuck in a Haunted Pool?

If you prefer your Daddario with a side of "don't go in there," you're in luck. Beyond the chocolate fields, there's another Alexandra Daddario new movie on the horizon that sounds like a total fever dream. It’s called Inground.

Basically, the plot follows a father (John Cho) who builds a backyard pool to bond with his son during a messy divorce. Standard stuff. Until, predictably, the pool becomes a "terrifying nightmare."

  • Production: Produced by Ridley Scott (yes, that Ridley Scott).
  • Director: Aaron Katz, who did that neon-soaked mystery Gemini.
  • The Vibe: It’s being described as a "hot genre package."

Some people on Reddit are already joking that it’s Night Swim 2.0, but with Scott Free Productions involved, the expectations are significantly higher. It’s supposed to start production in March 2026. If you’ve ever seen Daddario in Texas Chainsaw 3D, you know she can carry a horror flick on her back, but Inground sounds like it’s aiming for a more psychological, "A24-adjacent" level of dread.

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The 2025-2026 Transition: A Full Plate

It’s easy to get lost in the "upcoming" lists because she has so much in the hopper. Before we even get to the big 2026 releases, we have I Wish You All the Best. This is a coming-of-age drama where she plays Hannah, the estranged sister of a non-binary teen.

It’s small. It’s intimate. It’s very different from a haunted pool.

And let's not ignore the elephant in the room: Mayfair Witches. While it’s a TV show, not a movie, Season 2 dropped in early 2025, and Season 3 is already in the works, filming through early 2026 in Vancouver. The schedule she’s keeping is honestly insane. She’s jumping from a witchy neurosurgeon to a 19th-century philanthropist to a woman haunted by a swimming pool, all within a 24-month window.

Why This Matters for Her Career

Usually, actors get stuck. You're the "horror girl" or the "rom-com lead." Daddario is currently pulling off a rare hat trick. By 2026, she’ll have a major biographical drama, a Ridley Scott-produced horror, and a continued lead in a massive AMC franchise.

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What most people get wrong about her career is thinking she only does "genre" stuff. Hershey is the move that signals she’s looking for that "serious actor" stamp. Kitty Hershey is a meaty, complex role. It requires a certain gravitas that we haven't seen since maybe her brief but heavy turn in True Detective.

What to Watch Next

If you're trying to keep track of the Alexandra Daddario new movie schedule without getting a headache, here is the basic breakdown of what to look for:

  1. Keep an eye on the festivals: Inground was a hot item at the TIFF market. Expect some first-look photos to leak around mid-2026.
  2. The "Hershey" Release: Keep your 2026 calendar open for the holidays. A biopic about a chocolate mogul feels like a classic November or December "prestige" release.
  3. Check out the indies: While waiting for the big blockbusters, I Wish You All the Best is the best way to see her range right now.

Next time you’re scrolling through streaming services, don’t just look for the big posters. The most interesting stuff she’s doing is the small-scale drama that's quietly building her reputation as one of the most versatile leads in the industry. Catch up on the Mayfair Witches back catalog now, because once the Hershey trailers start hitting, everyone is going to be talking about her again.