Burns & Co. Entertainment has released the first look at “Jimmy,” the upcoming biopic about Jimmy Stewart starring KJ Apa in the titular role.
The film chronicles Stewart’s decision to enlist and becoming a combat pilot and commander in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II after winning the best actor Oscar for his work in “The Philadelphia Story.”
The poster features Apa as Stewart wearing a tuxedo while holding an army cap with bombers in the sky behind him as well as a Hollywood cityscape with palm trees and Klieg lights.
Stewart flew 20 missions over Europe, rising to the rank of colonel, only to return home broken and disheartened before landing the part of George Bailey in the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Jimmy Stewart was an American Hero,” Apa said in a statement Wednesday. “He was among a certain breed of men who understood the true meaning of sacrifice by fighting for our freedom. He was also among the greatest actors of all time starring in over 80 movies and winning one Academy Award for best actor. His story is one of strength and purpose, love and honor, fame and war. His story is one that begs us to think of the greater good and to be willing to fight for it.”
Rounding out the ensemble are Kara Killmer as Lady Julia; Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father, Alexander; Max Casella as Frank Capra; Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer; Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore; Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper; Rob Riggle as Colonel Terrill; Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez; and Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart. Variety’s Marc Malkin makes an appearance as band leader Glenn Miller.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
Aaron Burns directed the movie from a script by Justin Strawhand. “Jimmy” is expected to be released Nov. 6, 2026.
Harkening back to Stewart’s Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the movie includes a cameo by Karolyn Grimes, who was five years old when she played Zuzu Bailey. Her line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings” remains one of the most recognizable and enduring moments in American cinema.
“It has been an incredible experience to be part of ‘Jimmy,’” Grimes said. “’Jimmy’ carries forward the values and emotional warmth that audiences have cherished for decades. It’s truly an honor to return to the screen and take part in a film that pays tribute to one of the most enduring stories in cinematic history. I feel deeply grateful to have been invited to step back into a world that has meant so much to my life and the lives of so many others.”
Producers on the project include David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, Jack McClintock, John Norton of Redted Media, Burns and Strawhand. Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, serves as executive producer.
“I have long thought that it would be hard to find an actor who could bring my father to life without doing an extended Jimmy Stewart impersonation,” Stewart-Harcourt said. “But that actor has been found and his name is KJ Apa. I was privileged enough to visit the set in Ireland this last September, and there, I felt a magic. I know this will be conveyed in the film, and I can’t wait to see it.”
Watch the “Jimmy” trailer, released Wednesday morning, below.
From Variety US