KJ Apa to Play Hollywood Legend Jimmy Stewart in Biopic: ‘I’ve Always Been a Huge Fan’

KJ Apa will be bringing Jimmy Stewart back to life on the big screen. 

The Riverdale actor, 28, has signed on to star as the late Hollywood legend in the upcoming biopic Jimmy, Variety reports. Jason Alexander also stars as Louis B. Mayer, alongside Max Casella as Frank Capra, Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez and Jen Lilley as Gloria Rankin Stewart.

“I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life,” Apa told Variety on Tuesday, Aug. 5. “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.”

He added, “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, to be directed by Aaron Burns and scripted by Justin Strawhand, counts Stewart’s daughter Kelly Stewart-Harcourt as an executive producer.

“My family and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father in this film,” she said. “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.”

Calling the Oscar winner “universally beloved,” Burns said, “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.”

Stewart died in 1997 at age 89. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, becoming a commanding officer. In addition to his win at the Academy Awards for 1940’s The Philadelphia Story, he was nominated for 1939’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life, 1950’s Harvey and 1959’s Anatomy of a Murder. He and his wife Gloria welcomed four children together.

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Jimmy will begin shooting in Ireland this September. The film is planning a November 2026 theatrical release. Among Apa’s other upcoming projects is The Map That Leads to You (on Prime Video Aug. 20).