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A James Stewart biopic is formally within the works, and it has forged one of many important actors from Riverdale to play the enduring actor. Directed by Aaron Burns, Jimmy will comply with Stewart’s early rise in Hollywood, together with successful an Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, earlier than enlisting within the U.S. Military Air Corps as a fight pilot in World Conflict II after which returning dwelling to star in Frank Capra’s iconic 1946 movie, It’s a Fantastic Life.

Riverdale star KJ Apa has signed on to play James Stewart within the biopic, per Selection. The remainder of the forged consists of Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) as MGM’s studio head Louis B. Mayer; Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives) as Stewart’s spouse Gloria, Max Casella (Boardwalk Empire) as Frank Capra; Sarah Drew (Gray’s Anatomy) as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper; and Julian Works (9-1-1: Lonestar) as Second Lieutenant Martinez. Apa launched an announcement about his pleasure to hitch Jimmy, which is able to start filming in West Cork, Eire, on September 1, 2025, and is at present set for a November 2026 launch date. Apa stated:

“I’ve at all times been an enormous James Stewart fan and really feel so honored I get to deliver his story to life. As somebody from New Zealand, I’ve lengthy admired that technology of American males who stood for patriotism, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. It is very important me to present again to a rustic that has given me a lot, and what higher means to try this than by honoring a person who served it with nice honor.”

Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Stewart’s daughter, serves as govt producer of the movie. Concerning Apa’s casting, she expressed her pleasure primarily based not solely on Apa’s expertise, however the enthusiasm he has for the half. She stated:

“My household and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father on this movie. Along with his appreciable performing expertise, KJ’s enthusiasm for the mission will solely add to the power and depth he’ll deliver to the function.”

Jimmy director Aaron Burn, spoke about casting Apa to play a legendary determine like Stewart, and why he’s trying to inform the story of the enduring film star.

“Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor. He actually embodied the everyman. Everyone knows him from ‘It is A Fantastic Life’, however as I found his real-life story as a World Conflict II navy hero, I noticed Jimmy’s life makes for an incredible film. I’m actually honored that Kelly Stewart-Harcourt and the Stewart household have entrusted Burns & Co. to share ‘Jimmy’ with the world, and I’m excited to see KJ Apa and the remainder of our wonderful forged deliver this story to life.”

KJ Apa Has Some Massive Sneakers to Fill

Jimmy is considered one of two upcoming movies from the manufacturing firm Burns & Co., the opposite being an adaptation of the graphic novel The Mythmakers: The Outstanding Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien. Burns & Co. is a faith-based manufacturing firm that focuses on family-friendly journey movies geared toward a Christian viewers. Jimmy director and Burns & Co. co-founder, Aaron Burns, is without doubt one of the producers of the favored spiritual movies Conflict Room and The Forge. Apa beforehand starred as Christian music singer Jeremy Camp within the faith-based biopic I Nonetheless Imagine.

Apa, very similar to lots of his Riverdale co-stars, is making a profitable movie profession for himself. Camila Mendes, who performed Veronica Lodge, will subsequent be seen as Teela in Amazon MGM’s Masters of the Universe, set for launch in June 2026. Lili Reinhart, greatest recognized for enjoying Betty Cooper on Riverdale, is starring in and producing the difference of the romance novel The Love Speculation. Cheryl Blossom actress Madelaine Petsch will subsequent be seen in The Strangers – Chapter 2. Charles Melton, who took over the function of Reggie Mantle in Season 2 of Riverdale, earned rave evaluations for his efficiency in Might December and in addition had a task within the acclaimed Warfare.

With regards to film stars, James Stewart is without doubt one of the most iconic in cinematic historical past. He lived an unbelievable life and an much more unbelievable profession, one which the biopic appears to be like like it is going to contact on. Whereas Jimmy will deal with the time frame that encompasses movies like You Cannot Take it With You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story, and It is a Fantastic Life, Stewart starred in much more titles all through his profession. From Harvey to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and his quite a few collaborations with Alfred Hitchcock, together with Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Little, and Vertigo, Stewart actually was one of many greats.

Supply: Selection