The trailer for Jimmy, the new biopic about legendary actor Jimmy Stewart, has been released, providing a synopsis of the highly anticipated film, which is set to be released in theaters on November 6th.
“This moving film shares the untold story of Stewart’s military service in World War II,” a press release explains.
“Jimmy” stars and producers attended an event in Stewart’s hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania, on May 20 to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit at the Jimmy Stewart Museum.
K.J. Apa, who plays Stewart in the film, released the trailer alongside director Aaron Burns and Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Stewart’s daughter and executive producer of Jimmy. The special moment unfolded on what would have been Stewart’s 118th birthday.
The Jimmy Stewart Museum also unveiled a new exhibit, “The Making of ‘Jimmy,'” featuring the filmmakers offering “a rare behind-the-scenes look at the film, including props and costumes used in its production, as well as an extensive collection of photographs of the sets.”
Check out the trailer for “Jimmy.”
Considering the influence of It’s a Wonderful Life and Stewart’s legacy to Hollywood, it’s no surprise that this exhibit captures the many ways he had an indelible impact on American culture.
Apa made this clear in his own reaction to this powerful event.
“Jimmy Stewart was a hero,” the “Riverdale” actor said. “His accomplishments in service to the United States, his global influence through film, and his dedication to his family are unparalleled.”
Apa continued, “It’s a huge responsibility to take on this role. Through ‘Jimmy,’ our goal is to honor his accomplishments, accomplishments, and family, and to share his story and remind viewers that heroes like Jimmy once existed and still exist.”
Director Burns, who has sought to tell Stewart’s story for years, expressed his excitement for the upcoming film and celebration of his hometown.
“Hope and inspiration were at the heart of Jimmy Stewart, on screen and in life,” he said.
“By premiering the trailer for our film in his hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania, we hope to honor his legacy and inspire a new generation to live and love like Jimmy.”
Burns told CBN News in a 2024 interview about his motivations for making the project a reality.
He, like many Americans, has known Stewart as an actor for a long time, but said his perspective was broadened several years ago when he chanced upon an article detailing Stewart’s backstory, the decision to enter World War II that took Stewart from Hollywood to the battlefield.
“The storyteller in me was really intrigued by this,” he said.
The filmmaker recalled some of Stewart’s origin story, explaining that he grew up in a small town and had a devoted father who served as a deacon in the Presbyterian church.
“(The father) just prayed for his son, raised him, invested in him,” he said. “And then all of a sudden, Jimmy becomes a successful actor and heads to Hollywood and rises through the ranks and becomes a big star.”
Of course, Stewart went on to win an Oscar and receive four more nominations, but Burns said the actor still felt somewhat “empty.” He just wasn’t sure if he was a “fake movie star” or a “real hero.” At the time, in the early 1940s, global instability was at its peak and “war clouds were gathering.”
That’s when Stewart made a surprising decision.
“[Stewart]said, ‘I wanted to be more than just a Tinseltown hero. I wanted to serve my country and serve my fellow Americans.'”
Burns said Stewart was a civilian pilot before deciding to join the Army Air Corps and becoming a wartime commander, leading thousands of men on bombing missions during the war.
“[It was]a great story that Jimmy Stewart could never have imagined,” he said.
One of the moving stories Mr. Burns shared was about a letter given to Mr. Stewart by his father before he went off to war. The note, which he kept in his uniform pocket, contained a copy of Psalm 91.
“It’s the comfort of the Lord and the Lord being with you,” Burns said. “And his father said, ‘I’m confident. God is with you and I’ll be praying for you while you’re away. You’ll get home safe.’ And (Stewart) carried those words with him in his uniform every time he went on a mission.”
The actor returned home safely, but suffered from PTSD after seeing hundreds of his men shot down and killed. By the time Stewart left the battlefield, he was far from the Hollywood star he had been before fighting on the front lines.
“He…asked himself, ‘Can I go back to Hollywood?'” Burns said. “And…his contract is up and no one wants him.” So he got one offer to make a movie. That was “Jimmy’s War,” where you could become a bomber pilot and bomb Nazis in front of the camera. He was like, ‘Sorry, I can’t do that.’ ”
But Stewart received a call from an old friend, Hollywood director Frank Capra, who had also served in World War II. Capra told Stewart he had “the perfect role.”
“Capra… said, ‘I’ve got a role that’s perfect for you. Jimmy, I was struggling too. We were at war. No one wants me, but maybe we can do this project together,'” Burns said. “That’s a great story.”
Stewart ended up playing the role of George Bailey, and the rest is history.
“It’s a Transformative Life is a transformative and inspirational film for all Americans, and it was a transformative film for Jimmy as well,” Burns said, adding that he is excited to tell the story behind the story.
“I want kids to know about the hero that Jimmy Stewart is, to see what he went through, to see the sacrifices he made for us, to see the powerful prayers and love of a father for his son, and the impact that has on him. So we’re helping to tell that story.”
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