KJ Apa to Portray Hollywood Legend James Stewart in New Biopic

KJ Apa, a New Zealand-born actor recognized for his starring role as Archie Andrews on the CW’s "Riverdale," is set to play Hollywood icon James Stewart in an ambitious new biopic titled "Jimmy" . The film, which begins production in Ireland this September, aims for a theatrical release in late 2026.

"Jimmy" will trace Stewart’s journey from his Pennsylvania roots through his meteoric Hollywood ascent and landmark roles, culminating in his military service as a decorated World War II pilot. Apa expressed his admiration for Stewart and the significance of telling his story: “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” .

James Stewart, a towering figure of the Golden Age, is renowned for his roles in films like "It’s a Wonderful Life" and "The Philadelphia Story" . The biopic intends to capture Stewart’s pivotal years in the 1930s and 1940s—an era that defined American cinema and was also marked by pervasive social conservatism and the enforcement of restrictive norms, both on and off screen .

With production set in Ireland and a cast including Jason Alexander as MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer and Max Casella as director Frank Capra, "Jimmy" is poised to explore both Stewart’s artistic achievements and his personal character .

The announcement of "Jimmy" has prompted thoughtful engagement from LGBTQ+ historians and advocates, who note that the classic Hollywood era was defined by strict codes that limited authentic LGBTQ+ representation in films and often forced queer actors to conceal their identities . Though Stewart himself was not publicly associated with LGBTQ+ narratives, his career unfolded amid an industry where many talented performers—some later revealed to be LGBTQ+—were compelled to lead double lives .

Film and media scholars emphasize that biopics like "Jimmy" offer an opportunity to critically examine this legacy. “Every time we revisit the stories of Hollywood’s Golden Age, we have a responsibility to acknowledge the realities for LGBTQ+ people at the time—both onscreen and behind the scenes,” says Dr. Rosalind Taylor, a film historian specializing in queer cinema .

While "Jimmy" is not explicitly positioned as an LGBTQ+ story, the casting of KJ Apa, who has spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ communities and previously portrayed a gay character in the film "The Hate U Give" , is seen as a positive signal. It reflects a broader trend in Hollywood toward more inclusive casting and a willingness to engage with the complexities of queer visibility, even in stories centered on figures from more conservative eras.

LGBTQ+ film festivals and advocacy groups have welcomed the announcement as a chance to spark conversations about the intersections of Hollywood history, military service, and queer identity. “The story of James Stewart is a reminder of the many layers of identity that shaped—and were shaped by—classic Hollywood. We hope that films like ‘Jimmy’ inspire audiences to seek out the untold stories of LGBTQ+ actors and creators who paved the way, often behind the scenes,” states the programming director for the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival .

Some advocates have called for future biopics to delve more directly into the experiences of LGBTQ+ figures from Hollywood’s past, such as Rock Hudson, Marlene Dietrich, and others whose queer identities were obscured by the pressures of the studio system . Nevertheless, "Jimmy" represents an evolving landscape in which mainstream projects are increasingly attentive to the need for nuanced, inclusive storytelling.

As production commences, LGBTQ+ viewers and allies alike will be watching not only for the portrayal of Stewart’s life, but also for signs of Hollywood’s growing openness to representing the full spectrum of identities that have shaped its history.