Trailer for the Jimmy Stewart Biopic Film JIMMY Starring KJ Apa
The first trailer has been released for Jimmy, an upcoming biopic that digs into a meaningful chapter of actor Jimmy Stewart’s life, with KJ Apa stepping into the role of the legendary actor. It looks like he does a solid job in the role, but I was not expecting that voice to come out of his mouth.
The film zeroes in on Stewart at a crossroads, balancing Hollywood fame with his decision to serve his country during World War II, and the trailer teases a very interesting and inspirational story.
Jimmy traces Stewart’s journey after winning the Best Actor Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Stewart flew 20 combat missions over Europe, eventually rising to the rank of colonel.
When he returned home, he was changed, struggling to reconnect with the industry that once celebrated him. That experience fed directly into his performance as George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, released in 1946 and now considered one of the most beloved films in American cinema.
Apa spoke about the weight of playing Stewart in a statement released Wednesday, saying: “Jimmy Stewart was an American Hero. 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.”
The supporting includes Kara Killmer as Lady Julia, Neal McDonough portrays Stewart’s father Alexander, and Max Casella appears as Frank Capra. Jason Alexander takes on Louis B. Mayer, Christopher McDonald plays Lionel Barrymore, and Sarah Drew steps in as Hedda Hopper.
The ensemble also includes Rob Riggle as Colonel Terrill, Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez, and Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart.
The film is directed by Aaron Burns, working from a script by Justin Strawhand. Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, serves as executive producer, giving the project a personal connection to the Stewart family.
One of the most touching elements ties directly back to It’s a Wonderful Life. Jimmy features a cameo from Karolyn Grimes, who was just five years old when she played Zuzu Bailey. Her line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,” is still one of the most recognizable moments in film history.
Grimes shared her thoughts on returning to this world, saying: “It has been an incredible experience to be part of Jimmy, 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.”
Stewart-Harcourt also weighed in on Apa’s casting and her experience visiting the set. “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.
“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.”
With its focus on service, sacrifice, and the personal cost of war, Jimmy looks ready to offer a thoughtful portrait of an American icon beyond the familiar screen persona.
The film is currently slated for release on Nov. 6, 2026. This looks like a great movie!