Jimmy Stewart Biopic Casts Riverdale Star as It’s a Wonderful Life Actor

The upcoming Jimmy Stewart biopic has cast a Riverdale actor in the lead role.

Jimmy is a forthcoming biopic movie about the iconic actor who has starred in movies such as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It’s a Wonderful Life, Vertigo, and many, many more. Beginning production in Ireland next month, the project is being directed by Aaron Burns.

Who has been cast as Jimmy Stewart in the new biopic movie?

Per Variety, Stewart will be played by KJ Apa.

Apa is best known for playing Archie Andrews in The CW’s Riverdale series. His filmography includes 2017’s A Dog’s Purpose, 2018’s The Hate U Give, 2020’s I Still Believe, 2024’s One Fast Move, and more.

“I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life,” Apa said in a statement. “As someone from New Zealand, I’ve long admired that generation of American men who stood for patriotism, integrity, and a deep sense of duty. It is important to me to give back to a country that has given me so much, and what better way to do that than by honoring a man who served it with great honor.”

The cast further includes Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer, Max Casella as Frank Capra, Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez, and Jen Lilley as Stewart’s wife Gloria.

Stewart’s daughter Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, who serves as an executive producer on the film, said, “My family and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father in this film. In addition to his considerable acting skills, KJ’s enthusiasm for the project will only add to the energy and depth he will bring to the role.”

Justin Strawhand wrote the script for the movie and serves as a producer alongside Burns, David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton. Andre Caraco, Jack McClintock, Bob Gordon, Sam Juergens, Amy K. Mitchell, Edwina Forkin, Kip Konwiser, Walter Krumm III, and Brian Williams are also executive producers.

Jimmy is expected to be released in United States theaters in November 2026.

Source: Comingsoon.net