A celebrity biopic about Jimmy Stewart has found its lead star. While especially true for those in the music industry, celebrity biopics have become increasingly popular in recent years. Last year boasted the Bob Dylan film A Complete Unknown, and this year will see a Bruce Springsteen biopic.
On the other hand, James Stewart was a beloved actor who lived from 1908 to 1997. He is best known for playing George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, but also starred in Alfred Hitchcock classics such as Vertigo. He was nominated for several Oscars, eventually winning Best Actor for his role in A Philadelphia Story.
As per Variety, a Stewart biopic тιтled Jimmy is now in the works, and it has found its lead actor. KJ Apa will take on the role of the Hollywood legend. The Riverdale star spoke highly of his involvement in the film, saying he “feel[s] so honored [he] get[s] to bring his story to life.” Check out the full quote from Apa below:
I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life. 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. 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.
Jimmy has also cast some of its ensemble members. Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley will play Louis B. Mayer, Frank Capra, Hedda Hopper, Second Lieutenant Martinez, and Gloria Stewart, respectively.
What KJ Apa’s Casting Means For Jimmy
The basic plot of Jimmy was also revealed. The movie will chronicle the actor’s rise to fame, including his time working on A Philadelphia Story. This will include his time serving as a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
The film will begin shooting in West Cork, Ireland, starting next month on Sept. 1. It does not have a specific release date, but is expected to hit theaters around November 2026. Jimmy will be directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. Both serve as producers alongside David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton.
Stewart’s real-life daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, is also an executive producer on the film. She praised Apa, noting that she and her family are “delighted and excited” that he will be stepping into this role. Check out Stewart-Harcourt’s full statement below:
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.
Director Burns also hyped up the project, noting how iconic Stewart himself is. Burns’ full quote can be found below:
Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor. 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. I’m truly honored that Kelly Stewart-Harcourt and the Stewart family have entrusted Burns & Co. to share Jimmy with the world, and I’m excited to see KJ Apa and the rest of our amazing cast bring this story to life.
Our Take On KJ Apa Being Cast As Jimmy Stewart
Playing Jimmy Stewart will be a mᴀssive step up for Apa, who is currently still best known for playing Archie in the CW series Riverdale. While this show was mᴀssively popular, it is largely regarded as goofy and over-the-top, and is not taken very seriously.
As such, Apa will really have to work to win over a wider audience for Jimmy. Unlike Jeremy Allen White, who is playing Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere this year, Apa does not have major existing awards clout behind him. The team speaks highly of him, though, so this is hopefully a good sign in the Riverdale star’s favor.
Source: Variety
