By Kayla DeKraker
The biopic about beloved Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, fittingly titled JIMMY, just cast KJ Apa in the lead role.
“I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life,” Apa said of the role. “As someone from New Zealand, I’ve long admired that generation of American men who stood for patriotism, integrity, and a deep sense of duty.”
He added, “It is important to me to give back to a country that has given me so much, and what better way to do that than by honoring a man who served it with great honor.”
Other cast members will include Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer, Max Casella as Frank Capra, Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez and Jen Lilley as Stewart’s wife, Gloria Rankin Stewart.
“I am SO thrilled to be part of bringing such a wonderfully heartfelt, layered, and inspirational true story to the screens,” Lilley said on Instagram. “I know America will fall in love with Jimmy Stewart all over again ❤️ and I am pinching myself I’ll get to be part of such an incredibly talented, kind, and wonderful cast!”
Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, will produce.
“My family and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father in this film. In addition to his considerable acting skills, KJ’s enthusiasm for the project will only add to the energy and depth he will bring to the role,” she said.
Aaron Burns will serve as director and producer on the film.
“Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor,” he said. “He truly embodied the everyman. We all know him from IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, but as I discovered his real-life story as a World War II military hero, I realized Jimmy’s life makes for an amazing movie.”
He also said that he is “honored that Kelly Stewart-Harcourt and the Stewart family have entrusted Burns & Co. to share JIMMY with the world,” and “excited to see KJ Apa and the rest of our amazing cast bring this story to life.”
Production begins soon.
“Soon to enter production — JIMMY, a major motion picture about the life of Jimmy Stewart, is coming from @burnsandcoproductions! Starring KJ Apa, JIMMY will be exclusively in theaters November 2026,” an Instagram post announced.
One person commented, “OH MY GOSH!! Jimmy Stewart’s one of my favorite actors of all time! I’m excited to see it! Congratulations @kjapa.”
“I’m a big Jimmy Stewart fan. This is 100% for me 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻” another said.
Related: Donna Reed Reflects on Iconic Role in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
There’s certainly a lot of material from Stewart’s life to work with. The actor served in the Air Force during World War II, won an academy award for THE PHILADELPHIA STORY and was nominated for many more awards. Stewart died in 1997 at age 89.
He’s perhaps best known for 1946’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, which he starred in alongside Donna Reed.
“It’s simply about an ordinary man who discovers that living each ordinary day honorably, with faith in God and a selfless concern for others, can make for a truly wonderful life,” Stewart said about the beloved movie.
Movieguide® rated the film highly for its family-friendliness. The review reads, “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is arguably the most beloved movie of all time. It’s certainly the most uplifting, rewarding and redemptive movie. It’s also funny, emotionally powerful, psychologically enriching, and beautifully made.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting biopic!
Do you love classic Jimmy Stewart movies?
Read Next: How IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Saved One of Its Stars
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