KJ Apa has received high praise from the Stewart family for his lead performance in the upcoming biographical film “Jimmy,” set for theatrical release on November 6. Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, the actor’s daughter, endorsed Apa’s portrayal, noting the remarkable authenticity she witnessed while filming her own guest appearance in the movie.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Stewart-Harcourt expressed her satisfaction with the casting choice, emphasizing the challenges inherent in depicting a figure with such a unique vocal pattern. She explained that audiences often grow weary of prolonged impersonations, but Apa manages to embody the legend without mimicking him directly.
“I was thrilled, because the problem with somebody playing dad… was that you don’t want to sit there and listen to a Jimmy Stewart impersonation for two hours,” she said. “And dad has such a distinctive way of speaking. It’s hard not to do an impersonation, but KJ channels him and brings him to life without doing a Jimmy Stewart impersonation. So I don’t see how they could have found anybody better.”
The film traces Stewart’s career trajectory, beginning with his Academy Award win for “The Philadelphia Story” and moving into his military service during World War II. During the war, he completed 20 combat missions over Europe and attained the rank of colonel. The narrative also covers his iconic return to Hollywood stardom, highlighted by his role as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Apa previously reflected on the weight of the role in a 2025 statement, describing Stewart as a quintessential American hero who understood sacrifice. He noted Stewart’s status as one of cinema’s greatest actors, citing his eight-film body of work and Best Actor Oscar, while highlighting the themes of honor and service central to his biography.
Directed by Aaron Burns, the production features a supporting cast including Kara Killmer as Lady Julia, Neal McDonough as Alexander Stewart, and Max Casella as Frank Capra. Other notable appearances include Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer, Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore, and Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper. Variety’s Marc Malkin also appears in the film as bandleader Glenn Miller.
I hope they don’t rush through the WWII section. His military service is such a crucial part of understanding his later roles.
That supporting cast is stacked! Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer is the casting coup I didn’t know I needed.
Wait, so KJ Apa is playing Jimmy Stewart? I can barely accept him as anything other than Archie from Riverdale. Hmm.
Finally, a biopic that respects the actor rather than just mimicking the voice. KJ Apa really did his homework here.