KJ Apa will portray Jimmy Stewart in the upcoming biopic titled "Jimmy."

      KJ Apa, known for his role in Riverdale, has agreed to take on the lead in the upcoming biopic Jimmy, which focuses on the life of Jimmy Stewart, famed for his roles in Rear Window and It's a Wonderful Life, as announced by Burns & Co. Productions.

      Apa, who will soon appear in the Amazon film The Map That Leads to You alongside Madelyn Cline, will join a cast featuring 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 Gloria Stewart.

      Filming is set to commence in West Cork, Ireland, on September 1, with backing from the Screen Ireland Nationwide Fund. The film is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release in November 2026, coinciding with the time It's a Wonderful Life regularly airs on cable television. “I've always been a huge fan of James Stewart, and I'm truly honored to bring his story to life,” Apa stated. “As a New Zealander, I've admired the generation of American men who embodied patriotism, integrity, and a strong sense of duty. It means a lot 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 dignity?” Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, executive producer of Jimmy and Stewart's daughter, expressed her excitement about Apa's involvement: “My family and I are thrilled that KJ Apa has agreed to portray my father. In addition to his impressive acting talent, KJ's enthusiasm for this project will enhance the energy and depth he brings to the role.”

      Jimmy will depict a pivotal time in Stewart's life, transitioning from winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for Philadelphia Story to enlisting as a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the onset of World War II. Stewart completed 20 missions over Europe and attained the rank of colonel.

      “Jimmy Stewart is cherished as an actor and truly represented the everyman,” remarked director and producer Aaron Burns. “While we all recognize him from It’s A Wonderful Life, learning about his real-life journey as a World War II military hero revealed a compelling story. I’m honored that Kelly Stewart-Harcourt and the Stewart family have entrusted Burns & Co. to share this narrative with the world. I can't wait to see KJ Apa and our exceptional cast bring this story to fruition.”

      Alongside Burns, Justin Strawhand, the screenwriter, will serve as a producer, joined by David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton of Redted Media.

      The executive producers, in addition to Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, feature former Sony executive Andre Caraco, Jack McClintock, Bob Gordon, Sam Juergens, Amy K. Mitchell, Edwina Forkin, Kip Konwiser, Walter Krumm III, F Joseph Krumm, Carolyn & Scott White, and Brian Williams. KJ Apa is represented by UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Mandy Jacobsen, Red 11 Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.

      Jason Alexander is represented by Innovative Artists Entertainment and Yumkas Entertainment; his legal counsel is Gendler, Kelly & Cunningham. Max Casella is represented by Innovative Artists & Ellipsis Entertainment Group.

      Sarah Drew is represented by Innovative Artists, Vault Entertainment, and Yorn Levine. Julian Works is represented by Joe S. Montifiore at Rafterman Media, Jennifer Allen at Viewpoint, and attorney Jeff Bernstein at Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime Levine Sample & Klein.

      Jen Lilley is managed by Mitch Clem Management and represented by Artists & Representatives; her attorney is Meyer & Downs. Burns & Co. is represented by Sam Curphey, Esq.

      Main image: KJ Apa, courtesy of Burns & Co./Jimmy Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life, Paramount Pictures

      Note from the editor: A typo has been corrected.