KJ Apa Takes on the Legendary Jimmy Stewart: A Look at the Upcoming Biopic

In a surprising and exciting casting choice, KJ Apa, known for his role in “Riverdale,” is stepping into the shoes of one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons. The first trailer for “Jimmy,” a biopic about the legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, was released on December 17, giving audiences a glimpse of what to expect when the film hits theaters on November 6, 2026. At 28, Apa is tackling the challenge of portraying Stewart during a pivotal time in his life—spanning from his Oscar win for “The Philadelphia Story” in 1940 to his decision to enlist in the U.S. military during World War II. When the casting was announced in August 2025, Apa expressed his deep admiration for Stewart, saying, “I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life.” As a New Zealander, Apa noted his respect for “that generation of American men who stood for patriotism, integrity, and a deep sense of duty,” seeing the role as a way to honor both Stewart and the country that has given him so many opportunities.

The biopic focuses on a fascinating period in Stewart’s life that showcases his character beyond his acting career. After winning an Oscar, Stewart made the remarkable decision to put his successful Hollywood career on hold to serve his country. The film explores how Stewart, initially turned away by the Army for being underweight, persisted in his efforts to enlist, eventually bulking up and being accepted in March 1941. This dedication to service during wartime reveals a depth of character that went well beyond the silver screen. Stewart’s commitment to his country during a time of global crisis highlights the values that made him not just a celebrated actor but an American hero. The film appears to delve into this duality—examining how a man who captured hearts with his acting chose to risk his life and career to serve in a world war, demonstrating that his on-screen integrity was matched by his personal convictions.

Adding authenticity and heart to the project is the involvement of Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, who serves as an executive producer. Her participation brings a personal touch to the film, ensuring that her father’s legacy is portrayed with respect and accuracy. In a December 2025 interview with Variety, she shared her initial concerns about finding an actor who could embody her father without resorting to mere impersonation. “I have long thought that it would be hard to find an actor who could bring my father to life without doing an extended Jimmy Stewart impersonation,” she explained. “But that actor has been found and his name is KJ Apa.” Her endorsement carries significant weight, especially after she visited the set in Ireland and felt what she described as “magic” during filming. Her confidence in the project suggests that the film will capture the essence of her father’s character and contributions rather than simply recreating his famous mannerisms.

The trailer’s release has generated considerable discussion among fans and critics, with reactions varying widely across social media platforms. Much of the debate centers around Apa’s portrayal of Stewart’s distinctive voice and speaking style—one of the most recognizable in Hollywood history. Some viewers expressed disappointment with the impression, with one commenting that hearing it “ruined my day,” and drawing comparisons to other biopics in development. However, others have defended Apa’s performance, suggesting that the criticism might be more reflective of the trailer’s overall quality rather than his specific portrayal. “I think KJ Apa’s Jimmy Stewart impression is pretty good?” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that “Jimmy Stewart just had a silly voice sorry.” The mixed reception highlights the challenges inherent in portraying such a well-known figure, whose unique vocal patterns and mannerisms are deeply ingrained in the public’s collective memory.

Beyond Apa’s central performance, the supporting cast has also drawn attention, with some viewers expressing concerns about performances by Jason Alexander and Rob Riggle based on the brief glimpses provided in the trailer. One commenter described the project as “typical biopic slop featuring truly awful line reads,” suggesting that the film might fall into the conventional trappings of the genre. These reactions underscore the high expectations and scrutiny that accompany biopics of beloved cultural figures. With Stewart being “one of the greatest to ever do it,” as one commenter noted, the bar is set particularly high. Viewers appear concerned about whether the film will offer fresh insights into Stewart’s life or simply present a formulaic retelling of known events, a common criticism of biographical films that attempt to condense complex lives into neat narrative arcs.

As the release date approaches, “Jimmy” faces the challenge of satisfying both devoted Stewart fans and younger audiences who may be less familiar with his work. The film’s focus on Stewart’s wartime service rather than his entire career offers a more focused narrative that could provide depth rather than breadth, potentially avoiding the common biopic pitfall of trying to cover too much ground. Apa’s commitment to honoring Stewart’s legacy, combined with the personal investment of Stewart’s daughter, suggests a genuine desire to create something meaningful rather than merely commercial. Whether the final product will rise above the skepticism and deliver a worthy tribute to Stewart’s remarkable life remains to be seen, but the combination of an unexpected casting choice, a focused time period, and family involvement creates intriguing possibilities for this exploration of one of cinema’s most enduring figures. As November 2026 draws closer, anticipation will continue to build for this glimpse into the life of a man who exemplified both artistic excellence and personal integrity.