The Buzz celebrates the theatrical release of JIMMY with four conversations exploring the legendary actor’s military service, personal struggles, and return to Hollywood.
Jimmy Stewart was responsible for some of the most memorable performances in film history. From Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to It’s a Wonderful Life, his work continues to resonate with audiences decades later. However, there was a chapter of Stewart’s life that I knew very little about until I watched JIMMY.
To celebrate the film’s November 6 theatrical release, I’m bringing together my interviews with Christopher McDonald, Jen Lilley, director Aaron Burns, and KJ Apa for a special edition of The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio.
The film explores Stewart’s experiences during World War II, the emotional struggles he faced upon returning home, and his journey back into acting. KJ Apa portrays Stewart, with Christopher McDonald playing Lionel Barrymore and Jen Lilley portraying Stewart’s wife, Gloria.
Christopher McDonald on KJ Apa’s Emotional Performance
During my conversation with Christopher McDonald, we discussed one of the film’s most powerful sequences, which takes place during the production of It’s a Wonderful Life.
The scene involving Martini’s bar particularly resonated with me because it revealed the emotional struggles Stewart was experiencing following his military service. Christopher was equally impressed by the depth KJ brought to the moment.
“He went as deep as you can go right there,” Christopher told me while discussing the sequence.
Christopher also reflected on portraying Lionel Barrymore and the importance of showing the personal struggles taking place behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most beloved films.
Our conversation wasn’t limited to JIMMY. We also discussed his work voicing Jor-El in Superman: The Animated Series, his involvement in The Iron Giant, and returning as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore 2.
Aaron Burns on Telling a Different Jimmy Stewart Story
Before watching the completed film, I spoke with director Aaron Burns about his decision to focus on a specific period of Stewart’s life rather than attempting to tell his entire story.
Aaron explained that learning about Stewart’s wartime service and the personal challenges he faced afterward inspired him to make the film. His research included conversations with Stewart’s daughter, Kelly, and access to stories from a journal Stewart had kept during the war.
One of the more unexpected moments of our interview came when Aaron revealed that Kelly had entrusted him with Stewart’s actual Academy Award for additional filming. He even showed it to me during our conversation.
Aaron also discussed the importance of kindness in Stewart’s life and shared a story about the advice Stewart gave his daughters before they left for college.
Jen Lilley on Jimmy Stewart’s Personal Struggles and KJ Apa’s Transformation
Jen Lilley joined me to discuss portraying Gloria Stewart and the historical details surrounding the film.
We returned to the Martini’s bar sequence, which Jen explained was rooted in Stewart’s real experiences. She also discussed how the film could change the way audiences watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
Jen was particularly enthusiastic about KJ Apa’s portrayal of Stewart. She recalled how the cast waited to hear his performance during an early table read, knowing how important it would be to capture Stewart’s distinctive voice without turning the portrayal into an impersonation.
“I will be actually furious if he’s not nominated for an Academy Award,” Jen told me.
We also discussed the return of Christmas Is Not Cancelled, her charitable initiative supporting children and families in need through a partnership with Toys for Tots.
KJ Apa on the Responsibility of Playing Jimmy Stewart
I’m also revisiting my conversation with KJ Apa from the Falling premiere in New York City, where I had the opportunity to ask him about taking on the role of Jimmy Stewart.
KJ described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, acknowledging the responsibility of portraying someone whose work has meant so much to generations of audiences.
He also discussed working with Stewart’s family and admitted that having Kelly involved in the production was somewhat nerve-racking. At the same time, her support was invaluable in helping bring the character to life.
Celebrating JIMMY: My Review
I have always appreciated Jimmy Stewart as an actor, particularly his work in It’s a Wonderful Life. However, watching JIMMY made me realize how much I didn’t know about the man behind those performances. The film explores a chapter of his life that I had never fully understood, and I found myself completely invested in the story.
KJ Apa delivers an incredible performance as Stewart. Taking on the role of someone so recognizable is no easy task, especially when that person has such a distinctive voice and mannerisms. However, KJ doesn’t simply imitate Stewart. He embodies him. There were several moments throughout the film where I genuinely felt like I was watching a younger Jimmy Stewart on screen.
What impressed me most was the emotional depth KJ brought to the role. The film doesn’t shy away from Stewart’s struggles following his service during World War II. We watch him attempt to navigate his return to civilian life while dealing with experiences that continue to haunt him. KJ captures those emotions beautifully, particularly as Stewart tries to find his way back to the life he once knew.
One scene that stood out above the rest takes place during the filming of It’s a Wonderful Life, specifically the sequence involving Martini’s bar. Throughout the film, we see Stewart struggling internally, but this moment allows those emotions to come to the surface. Watching him finally acknowledge what he cannot get out of his mind was incredibly powerful. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and, most importantly, it felt real.
That scene alone demonstrated to me just how much KJ committed himself to portraying Stewart beyond the recognizable voice and physical mannerisms. It wasn’t simply about recreating a Hollywood legend. It was about portraying a man who was struggling with experiences that profoundly affected his life.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition. Christopher McDonald brings depth to his portrayal of Lionel Barrymore, particularly during the moments when his character recognizes the emotional struggles Stewart is experiencing. Jen Lilley portrays Gloria Stewart, while the film’s ensemble helps recreate the Hollywood landscape of the era.
I also appreciated director Aaron Burns’ decision to concentrate on a specific period of Stewart’s life rather than attempting to cover his entire career. The focus allows audiences to understand the impact of his military service and the significance of his return to filmmaking.
By the time the film ended, I had gained a greater appreciation for Jimmy Stewart, not just as an actor but as a person. I went into JIMMY knowing the performer whose work I had enjoyed for years. I came away with a better understanding of the experiences that shaped him.
For those who appreciate Jimmy Stewart, classic Hollywood, or films that explore the people behind the public personas, I highly recommend seeing JIMMY.
JIMMY opens in theaters November 6, 2026. Watch or listen to this special edition of The Buzz – BuzzWorthy Radio by clicking the player above.
