Jimmy – KJ Apa is James Stewart in the first teaser for the new biopic

Burns & Co. Entertainment released the first look of their new film, JIMMY, opening in US cinemas on November 6, 2026, starring KJ Apa as James Stewart. This never-before-told true story brings to the big screen the most transformative years of Jimmy Stewart’s life—from winning the Academy Award® for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot and commander in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II.

Stewart flew 20 missions over Europe, rising to the rank of colonel, only to return home broken and disheartened. And then George Bailey came calling.

“Many young people may not know who Jimmy Stewart is today. But after seeing his story, they will never forget it. Jimmy Stewart was an American Hero,” says KJ Apa of JIMMY. “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. His story portrays the absolute best of what one human has to offer his country. Jimmy Stewart’s story proves that life is not about our achievements in the spotlight, but about the choices we make and how those choices will shape the person we hope to be.”

The all-star, ensemble supporting cast includes Kara Killmer as Lady Julia; Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father, Alexander; Max Casella as Frank Capra; Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer; Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore; Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper; Rob Riggle as Colonel Terrill; Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez; and Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart. Aaron Burns directed the movie from a script by Justin Strawhand.

Harkening back to Stewart’s Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, JIMMY includes a special cameo by Karolyn Grimes, who at the age of five, played Zuzu Bailey. Her line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings”—remains one of the most recognizable and enduring moments in American cinema.

“It has been an incredible experience to be part of JIMMY,” said Grimes. “JIMMY carries forward the values and emotional warmth that audiences have cherished for decades. It’s truly an honour to return 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.”

“I am thrilled and grateful that Burns & Co. is making the film, JIMMY, about my father, Jimmy Stewart. It highlights the part of Dad’s life of which he was most proud: his military service,” said Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, one of Jimmy and Gloria Stewart’s daughters, and one of the movie’s executive producers.

“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.”