KJ Apa Sparks Diverse Reactions Among Fans with Jimmy Stewart Biopic
KJ Apa is captivating audiences with his first look as the actor Jimmy Stewart.
The trailer for the biopic Jimmy, set to debut in November 2026, was released on Wednesday, December 17. The film features Apa, 28, taking on the role of the late U.S. Air Force veteran and acclaimed actor, renowned for classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959).
Apa’s casting as Stewart was announced in August 2025.
“I’ve always been a massive fan of James Stewart and feel incredibly honored to portray his story,” Apa expressed back then. “As a New Zealander, I’ve admired the values of patriotism, integrity, and duty embodied by that generation of American men. Giving back to a country that has given me so much means a lot, and what better way than to honor a man who served it so honorably.”
The film will explore the time during which Stewart enlisted in the U.S. military amid World War II.
Continue reading to discover more about Jimmy.
Jimmy Set for 2026 Release
The biopic is slated for a theatrical release on November 6, 2026.
Jimmy Covers a Distinct Phase in the Late Actor’s Life
Jimmy Stewart Screen Archives/Getty Images
The narrative centers on a crucial period in Stewart’s life: the timeframe from his Oscar win for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story in 1940 until he joined the military at the start of World War II.
According to HistoryNet, Stewart was initially rejected by the Army for being too thin but managed to gain weight and was accepted in March 1941.
Jimmy Stewart’s Daughter Involved in Production
Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Stewart’s daughter, is serving as an executive producer for the film. “I always thought it would be challenging to find an actor who could embody my father without resorting to a caricature of Jimmy Stewart,” she told Variety in a December 2025 interview. “However, that actor is KJ Apa. I had the privilege of visiting the set in Ireland last September, and it was magical. I’m confident this essence will translate to the film, and I can’t wait to see it.”
Reactions to the Trailer Varied
Jimmy Stewart John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
The online reaction to the trailer was diverse.
Many fans expressed concerns regarding Apa’s interpretation of Stewart’s voice, while others defended his performance. “Honestly, I think KJ Apa’s Jimmy Stewart impression is quite good?” remarked one fan on X. “Those who claim it’s bad might just dislike other aspects of the trailer—it’s just how he sounded!”
In contrast, another person shared their opinion: “Hearing the impression spoiled my day; I truly hope Chris Evans’ Gene Kelly biopic doesn’t happen.”
“While Jimmy Stewart was genuinely one of the best, this looks like another typical biopic with subpar line reads from Jason Alexander and Rob Riggle,” added a third user on X.
