KJ Apa stars as Jimmy Stewart in the World War II biopic “Jimmy,” directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. The film premieres at the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4, then opens in theaters on November 6.
The world can’t stop smiling at Clarence and George Bailey—and for one Indiana-born Hollywood legend. the feeling has a different kind of weight. “Jimmy” is built around that same Jimmy Stewart aura. but it’s also meant to revisit what came before the glow: Stewart’s service as a decorated bomber pilot in World War II. his first film after returning from the war. and the life that followed.
Now, that story is getting its spotlight.
KJ Apa is set to step into Stewart’s shoes. joined by Rob Riggle (The Daily Show). Kara Killmer (Chicago Fire). Max Casella (Tulsa King). and more in “Jimmy. ” a biopic directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. After a trailer was released in May. Collider is premiering a brand-new look at the upcoming film with a new trailer and several images.
The film’s rollout is also scheduled down to the date. “Jimmy” will debut in theaters on November 6, following its world premiere at the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4. The premiere is hosted by Papaian Studios.
The choice of Fort Worth isn’t just logistics—it’s something that Papaian Studios founder Hien Papaian describes as personal and spiritual. He said the reason the studio said yes to “Jimmy” comes down to what he calls a powerful message of resilience in kindness. In his words, “Jimmy didn’t give up on being human just because he was broken. In fact, he fought to stay human even when it was the most difficult thing to do. He chose to be kind when it was easier to not be. He decided to love when it was easier to not care. Great storytelling matters. The right message matters even more. Papaian Studios is extremely selective in our projects. We get behind the storytelling and the message. Jimmy is one we’re extremely proud to be a part of.”.
Papaian also tied Fort Worth directly to how he came to build Papaian Studios there. He said. “If we move about in complete trust in God and actually believe He moves us when we listen. then this is the answer for why Fort Worth.” He added that he felt God’s calling to Fort Worth to establish Papaian Studios. describing it as a media company created to support entertainment projects that positively impact culture. He said
his first visit to Fort Worth was to see a property. and “a series of events brought me to the property. ” leading him to “immediately fell in love” the moment he was there. He continued. “Beyond the physical beauty of the place. there was a peace – a calming deep within my heart that can only be explained by feeling at home. ” and added. “I knew Fort Worth was where I wanted to
build purpose for the remaining chapters of my life.”.
The studio’s mission. Papaian said. is to become a creative campus for people passionate about all forms of media. “done in excellence. ” and to focus on the future generations—not only what’s popular now. He said the studio wants to “tell great stories that unite us and remind us to be kind. believe in each other and love better. ” adding that Papaian Studios “exist[s] for purpose and not for profit.” He emphasized that they are “extremely selective” about the projects they join.
That selectiveness also fits the bridge between Stewart’s legend and Fort Worth’s history. Stewart had deep ties to the Fort Worth community: he served as the celebrity ambassador to the city during the 1970s. supported philanthropic efforts for the Fort Worth Zoo. recorded tourism advertisements. and filmed one of his most famous roles in the area—“Strategic Air Command.”.
“Jimmy” arrives with additional resonance tied to America’s 250th birthday and the timing around Stewart’s own legacy. Jimmy’s daughter and executive producer. Kelly Stewart Harcourt. said she and her family are “deeply grateful to all the partners who helped make the movie. Jimmy. a reality. ” describing many of the partners as organizations and companies with “a long history of supporting our military and our veterans.” Harcourt said these brands “do not trumpet their support. They just provide it,” and added: “This is the kind of quiet patriotism that characterized my father, Jimmy Stewart. True patriots don’t have to beat their chests.”.
Ahead of the upcoming 4th of July weekend, multiple American brands and organizations have backed the film. They include groups that once supplied materiel support to the U.S. Army Air Corps. as well as America’s soldiers and Airmen: the American Legion. American Optical. the American Red Cross. Bulova. Easy Built Models. Hanes. M&M’S. MoonPie. and The Salvation Army.
Bevin Bells, the company that made the original “It’s A Wonderful Life” bell, and New York-based bakery Bake-Me-A-Wish also plan to release movie tie-in products to coincide with the film’s release.
The production also drew on aviation and military expertise. The U.S. Air Force provided historical research, technical expertise, and cast support. The Commemorative Air Force, the Jimmy Stewart Museum, and the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force provided research and support as well.
The list of partners supporting military and veteran communities is broad: alongside the American Legion and The Salvation Army. the Air & Space Forces Association. the American Veterans Center. Best Defense Foundation. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Folds of Honor. Honor Flight Network. Merging Vets and Players. the National Guard Association of the United States. the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Sandboxx. the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Team RWB. Vet Tix. Warrior Canine Connection. and Wreaths Across America have partnered with “Jimmy.”.
The film’s “Giving Back” campaign aims to provide donated tickets for military members and veterans to see “Jimmy” in theaters. The initiative is supported by Bulova, Hanks Coffee, the NFL, Papaian Studios, and White Castle—and it has already received more than $2 million in donations.
Merchandise and premiere support are lined up too. Nine Line Apparel is the official merchandise partner of “Jimmy.” Women’s clothing company Frances Valentine and jeweler Gorjana will support the movie’s official premiere. Running Press will publish “Finding Wonderful: Hopeful Lessons from Jimmy Stewart” in the fall. The Aero Leather Company, Besame, Boodles, and Eight & Bob cologne have also contributed to the production of “Jimmy.”.
The trailer release is timed with America’s 250th birthday celebrations, and the anniversary of Stewart’s passing on July 2. With the film heading toward its November 4 world premiere in Fort Worth and its November 6 theater debut. “Jimmy” is set to meet audiences at a moment when Stewart’s legacy—service. story. and the quieter idea of patriotism—hits closer than ever.
“Jimmy” is scheduled to debut in theaters on November 6, 2026. The director is Aaron Burns, and the writer is Justin Strawhand.
Jimmy Stewart biopic Jimmy movie KJ Apa Aaron Burns Justin Strawhand Lone Star Film Festival Fort Worth World War II biopic Bulova Giving Back campaign Kelly Stewart Harcourt
Fort Worth movie stuff again, cool I guess.
Wait so KJ Apa is playing Jimmy Stewart? I thought Jimmy Stewart was like super old Hollywood, how are they doing that timeline right lol. Also November 4 premiere?? I’m confused why it’s a “biopic” but they’re talking about returning from the war like it’s a documentary.
I saw the headline and assumed it was literally named “Jimmy” like a remake of something, not a whole new movie. Clarence and George Bailey? That’s from It’s a Wonderful Life, right? So they’re gonna mash that vibe with his bomber pilot story? Sounds kinda random, but I’ll probably watch anyway because Stewart vibes.
I don’t get the casting. Jimmy Stewart looks like he’s gonna be a whole different person than KJ Apa, like physically. Rob Riggle and Kara Killmer don’t scream “WWII bomber pilot” either, feels like it’s gonna be more comedy than history. And why “Lone Star Premiere” like it’s not just another festival stop… theaters Nov 6 though so maybe it’s bigger than I’m thinking. I’m just saying, seems like they’re selling the aura more than the facts.