The “Riverdale” kid from New Zealand is about to try something few actors have attempted: playing Hollywood’s definitive American everyman. KJ Apa stars as James “Jimmy” Stewart in “Jimmy,” a Burns & Co. Entertainment biopic opening nationwide Friday, Nov. 6, through Fathom Entertainment. Aaron Burns directs from a script by Justin Strawhand, and the film had its world premiere Oct. 8 as the opening-night selection of the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis.
“Jimmy” skips the cradle-to-grave route. It zeroes in on Stewart’s most turbulent stretch: his best actor Oscar for “The Philadelphia Story,” his enlistment as a World War II combat pilot and commander, and his shaken return to Hollywood to make “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The cast includes Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer, Max Casella as Frank Capra, Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart, Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper, Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father and Kara Killmer as Lady Julia.
The strongest endorsement comes from inside the family. Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, an executive producer who also appears in the film, said Apa captures her father without slipping into impersonation. Early trade reaction to the teaser was cooler, with questions about whether Apa could nail Stewart’s famous drawl. Friday’s box office will settle that.
When does “Jimmy” come out?
“Jimmy” opens exclusively in U.S. theaters Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, distributed by Fathom Entertainment. It runs about two hours.
Who plays Jimmy Stewart in the new movie?
KJ Apa, best known as Archie Andrews on The CW’s “Riverdale,” plays Stewart in his biggest film lead to date.
Is “It’s a Wonderful Life” returning to theaters?
Yes. Fathom is re-releasing the 1946 classic in theaters starting Dec. 18 for its 80th anniversary, making it a natural double feature with “Jimmy.”
Click her to see our interview with him
