There are few names in Hollywood history as recognizable as Jimmy Stewart. From Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and The Philadelphia Story to the timeless holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Stewart built a career that defined an era of American filmmaking. Yet behind the Academy Award®-winning actor was another remarkable story—one that many moviegoers have never heard.
That untold chapter is at the heart of JIMMY, the upcoming feature film directed and produced by Aaron Burns.
Joining The Buzz, Burns shared what inspired him to tell Stewart’s story, the responsibility of working alongside Stewart’s family, and why audiences will discover a side of the Hollywood icon unlike anything they’ve seen before.
A Different Kind of Biopic
Rather than attempting to cover Jimmy Stewart’s entire life, JIMMY focuses on one of its most transformative periods.
The film follows Stewart after winning his Academy Award®, through his decision to serve in World War II as a bomber pilot, and ultimately his return home carrying the emotional scars of combat before making It’s a Wonderful Life.
Burns explained that learning Stewart wasn’t simply a celebrity serving in uniform—but an active combat leader who flew dangerous bombing missions—completely changed his perspective.
“It wasn’t just about Jimmy Stewart the movie star anymore,” Burns shared. “It became the story of a man searching for hope after experiencing unimaginable trauma.”
Bringing Jimmy Stewart Back to Life
One of the film’s biggest challenges was finding an actor capable of portraying Stewart without slipping into imitation.
That responsibility ultimately fell to KJ Apa.
Burns praised the actor’s dedication, revealing that Apa immersed himself in Stewart’s mannerisms, voice, posture, and emotional journey while undergoing a physical transformation for the role.
The production also features Jason Alexander, Jen Lilley, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, and an ensemble cast portraying many of Hollywood’s most recognizable personalities from the 1940s.
Working With Jimmy Stewart’s Family
One of the most meaningful parts of the production came through Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart, who served as an executive producer.
Burns recalled countless conversations with Kelly about who her father truly was away from the cameras—from his favorite meals to the quiet kindness that defined him at home.
Those personal memories became invaluable in helping the cast portray Jimmy Stewart as the man, not simply the movie star.
Kelly also entrusted the filmmakers with something few people could ever imagine: Jimmy Stewart’s actual Academy Award®.
Burns laughed while recalling the surreal experience of transporting the Oscar through airport security before returning it safely to the Stewart family.
More Than a Hollywood Story
While JIMMY celebrates one of cinema’s greatest legends, Burns believes its message reaches far beyond Hollywood.
Throughout the interview, he spoke passionately about Stewart’s belief in kindness—something Stewart famously encouraged his daughters to practice throughout their lives.
That message deeply resonated during the conversation, as Burns reflected on Stewart’s ability to maintain friendships across differing beliefs while always treating others with respect and compassion.
It’s a reminder that perhaps Stewart’s greatest legacy wasn’t simply the unforgettable characters he portrayed on screen—but the character he displayed throughout his own life.
With its premiere scheduled for Veterans Day following a festival debut at the Heartland Film Festival, JIMMY aims to introduce a new generation to the remarkable story of a man whose greatest role may have been the one he played off-screen.
Watch the full interview with Aaron Burns by clicking on the player above.
