KJ Apa, best known for his role in Riverdale, is stepping into the shoes of one of Hollywood's most beloved icons: Jimmy Stewart. The upcoming biopic Jimmy delves into Stewart's decorated military service during World War II and his legendary career, offering a fresh look at the man behind classics like It's a Wonderful Life. Now, ShowtimeSpot has an exclusive first look at a brand-new trailer and images from the film, along with details of its world premiere.
The film, directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand, also stars Rob Riggle, Kara Killmer, and Max Casella. Jimmy will make its world premiere at the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4, hosted by Papaian Studios, before hitting theaters nationwide on November 6. The choice of Fort Worth is no accident—Stewart himself had deep ties to the city, serving as its celebrity ambassador in the 1970s and supporting local philanthropies like the Fort Worth Zoo.
A Story of Resilience and Kindness
Hien Papaian, founder of Papaian Studios, explained why the studio felt compelled to tell Stewart's story now. “The reason why we said yes to Jimmy was because there’s a powerful message of resilience in kindness there,” Papaian said. “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.” Papaian emphasized that the studio is selective about projects, focusing on those with meaningful messages. “Great storytelling matters. The right message matters even more,” he added.
Papaian also revealed that Fort Worth felt like a spiritual home for the studio. “First time I ever went to Fort Worth was to see this property. A series of events brought me to the property, and I immediately fell in love,” he said. “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.” The studio aims to create a creative campus that produces media with purpose, uniting audiences through stories of kindness and resilience.
Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
The film is also timed to celebrate America's 250th birthday, with support from iconic American brands and organizations. Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, an executive producer on the film, noted, “My family and I are deeply grateful to all the partners who helped make the movie, Jimmy, a reality. Many of these partners are organizations and companies who have a long history of supporting our military and our veterans.” Brands like the American Legion, American Optical, the American Red Cross, Bulova, Hanes, M&M'S, MoonPie, and The Salvation Army have stepped forward to honor Stewart's legacy. The U.S. Air Force provided historical research and technical expertise, while the Commemorative Air Force and the Jimmy Stewart Museum also contributed.
For fans of biographical dramas, Jimmy promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a man who balanced fame with service. As the entertainment world gears up for its release, the film joins a growing list of projects exploring the lives of iconic figures. For more on the latest in film and TV, check out our coverage of the Michael Jackson biopic dethroning Oppenheimer and 10 whodunnit movies that deliver perfect mysteries.
With its world premiere just months away, Jimmy is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated biopics of the year, offering a poignant reminder of the power of kindness and resilience in a world that needs it more than ever.
