AJames Stewartbiopic is officially in the works, and it has cast one of the main actors fromRiverdaleto play the iconic actor. Directed by Aaron Burns,Jimmywill follow Stewart’searly rise in Hollywood, including winning an Academy Award forThe Philadelphia Story,before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a combat pilot in World War II and then returning home to star in Frank Capra’s iconic 1946 film,It’s a Wonderful Life.
RiverdalestarKJ Apahas signed on to play James Stewart in the biopic, per Variety. The rest of the cast includes Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) as MGM’s studio head Louis B. Mayer; Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives) as Stewart’s wife Gloria, Max Casella (Boardwalk Empire) as Frank Capra; Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy) as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper; and Julian Works (9-1-1: Lonestar) as Second Lieutenant Martinez. Apa released a statement about his excitement to joinJimmy, which will begin filming in West Cork, Ireland, on June 01, 2025, and is currently set for a November 2026 release date. Apa said:
“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.”
Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Stewart’s daughter, serves as executive producer of the film. Regarding Apa’s casting, she expressed her excitement based not only on Apa’s experience, but the enthusiasm he has for the part. She said:
“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.”
Jimmydirector Aaron Burn, spoke about casting Apa to play a legendary figure like Stewart, and why he is looking to tell the story of the iconic movie star.
“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.”
KJ Apa Has Some Big Shoes to Fill
Jimmyis one of two upcoming films from the production company Burns & Co., the other being an adaptation of the graphic novelThe Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Burns & Co. is a faith-based production company that specializes in family-friendly adventure films aimed at a Christian audience.Jimmydirector and Burns & Co. co-founder, Aaron Burns, is one of the producers of the popular religious filmsWar RoomandThe Forge. Apa previously starred as Christian music singer Jeremy Camp in the faith-based biopicI Still Believe.
Apa, much like many of hisRiverdaleco-stars, is making a successful film career for himself. Camila Mendes, who played Veronica Lodge, will next be seen as Teela in Amazon MGM’sMasters of the Universe, set for release in June 2026. Lili Reinhart, best known for playing Betty Cooper onRiverdale, is starring in and producing theadaptation of the romance novelThe Love Hypothesis. Cheryl Blossom actress Madelaine Petsch will next be seen inThe Strangers - Chapter 2. Charles Melton, who took over the role of Reggie Mantle in Season 2 ofRiverdale, earned rave reviews for his performance inMay Decemberand also had a role in the acclaimedWarfare.
When it comes to movie stars, James Stewart is one of the most iconic in cinematic history. He lived an incredible life and an even more incredible career, one that the biopic looks like it will touch on. WhileJimmywill focus on the period of time that encompasses films likeYou Can’t Take it With You,Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,The Philadelphia Story, andIt’s a Wonderful Life, Stewart starred in a lot more titles throughout his career. FromHarveytoThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valanceand hisnumerous collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, includingRear Window,The Man Who Knew Too Little, andVertigo, Stewart truly was one of the greats.
