KJ Apa is set to portray the iconic actor and aviator Jimmy Stewart in the upcoming biopic titled “Jimmy.” The teaser trailer has been released, showcasing Apa stepping into the legendary role as he channels Stewart’s distinctive drawl while filming a scene from the beloved Christmas classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”
The trailer introduces viewers to Stewart’s character through a pivotal exchange with Jason Alexander, who plays film producer and MGM co-founder Louis B. Mayer. Mayer tells Stewart, “You are a star, and America needs stars right now.” However, the backdrop of impending World War II casts a shadow over Stewart’s aspirations, as he attempts to enlist in the military, only to be denied due to his acting career. In a poignant moment, he confronts Colonel Terrill, portrayed by Rob Riggle, questioning, “Don’t I have the right to serve my country just like anyone else does?” The colonel’s response, “America can’t afford to lose Jimmy Stewart,” highlights the tension between personal duty and professional responsibility.
Subsequent clips offer glimpses into the complexities of Stewart’s life during the war, featuring scenes of camaraderie, such as a snowball fight in the barracks, alongside intense moments aboard a plane in peril. Stewart’s longing for personal integrity is captured in the line, “Someday, I’d like to be able to look at myself in the mirror and see a good man looking back at me.”
Directed by Aaron Burns, “Jimmy” will explore Stewart’s rise to fame in Hollywood, including his Academy Award win for “The Philadelphia Story” before he answered the call of duty as a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. His return home leads to one of his most enduring legacies: the starring role in Frank Capra’s classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” released in 1946.
KJ Apa expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring Stewart’s story to life, sharing, “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.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to honoring the values that Stewart embodied during his lifetime.
Joining Apa in this cinematic portrayal are a talented cast, including Alexander, Riggle, Max Casella, Kara Killmer, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Liam Bixby. “Jimmy” is scheduled to hit theaters on November 6, 2026, and the anticipation surrounding the film is palpable as it promises to celebrate the life and legacy of a true American icon.