Latest news with #It'saWonderfulLife
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Mystery surrounding secret lead of Hollywood film in West Cork finally solved
There's a new Hollywood production taking over West Cork this Autumn and there was quite a buzz around who was going to be playing the leading role. The actor's identity was being kept tightly under wraps, with sources telling that only a 'few people' know who has been cast in the role of It's a Wonderful Life star Jimmy Stewart in the biopic. 'I've been told that as little as four people know who the lead is,' they told 'It's a major production and the lead is really being kept under wraps.' American actor Jimmy Stewart in his Air Force cap and wool overcoat, in front of a military airplane Pic:Well, the mystery has been solved as it has now been announced that the lead actor is New Zealand native KJ Apa who is most well known for his role as Archie in the CW series Riverdale. The news was confirmed by production company Burns & Co Productions and the biopic currently has the working title Jimmy. Speaking on the news of his casting being revealed, KJ said: 'I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honoured I get to bring his story to life. KJ Apa attends the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France Pic: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images '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 honouring a man who served it with great honour.' Joining Apa in Jimmy are 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 Gloria Stewart. James 'Jimmy' Stewart with Judy Garland Pic:The film will mainly focus on how the Hollywood star put his career on hold in 1940, going from winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in Philadelphia Story to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot in the US Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. He was the first celebrity to enlist, serving in the US army air corps, and famously refused to be confined to support work from home soil, he insisted he serve on the front line. Jimmy Casting Call Pic: West Cork Film Studios He finished the war with the rank of colonel, and even remained as part of the Air Force reserves after 1945, retiring with the rank of brigadier-general. Filming on Jimmy is set to kick off on September 1 in West Cork so keep an eye out if you're in the area.
Malaysia Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysia Sun
'Riverdale' actor KJ Apa to play Hollywood legend James Stewart in upcoming biopic
Los Angeles [US], August 6 (ANI): KJ Apa is all set to portray Hollywood legend James Stewart in his next. The 'Riverdale' star has been signed on to star as the late actor in an upcoming biopic. According to Variety, the upcoming biopic will revolve around Stewart's rise in Hollywood, his Academy Award-winning work in 'The Philadelphia Story' and also his enlistment in the US Army Air Corps as a combat pilot during World War II. Not long after returning home, Stewart even worked in the 1946 film, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Speaking about the same, KJ Apa, best known for playing Archie on the CW's 'Riverdale', expressed feeling proud of having the opportunity. 'I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honoured I get to bring his story to life. 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 honouring a man who served it with great honour?' he told Variety. Titled 'Jimmy', the biopic will be directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. James Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, will serve as the executive producer. Director Burns described the Oscar-winning actor as 'universally beloved,' further adding that his life will make an amazing film. 'Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor. He truly embodied the everyman. We all know him from 'It's A Wonderful Life,' but as I discovered his real-life story as a World War II military hero, I realised Jimmy's life makes for an amazing movie,' he said. Besides Apa, the film will also feature Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley in key roles. James Stewart passed away in 1997 at the age of 89. (ANI)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
KJ Apa to play James Stewart in biopic 'Jimmy'; film to trace Stewart's Hollywood rise; WWII heroism
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Riverdale' actor KJ Apa to play Hollywood legend James Stewart in upcoming biopic (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 'Riverdale' actor KJ Apa to play Hollywood legend James Stewart in upcoming biopic (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) 1 2 KJ Apa is all set to portray Hollywood legend James Stewart in his next. The 'Riverdale' star has been signed on to star as the late actor in an upcoming biopic. According to Variety, the upcoming biopic will revolve around Stewart's rise in Hollywood, his Academy Award-winning work in 'The Philadelphia Story' and also his enlistment in the US Army Air Corps as a combat pilot during World War II. Not long after returning home, Stewart even worked in the 1946 film, ' It's a Wonderful Life ' Speaking about the same, KJ Apa, best known for playing Archie on the CW's 'Riverdale', expressed feeling proud of having the opportunity. "I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honoured I get to bring his story to life. 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 honouring a man who served it with great honour?" he told Variety. Titled 'Jimmy', the biopic will be directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. James Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, will serve as the executive producer. Director Burns described the Oscar-winning actor as "universally beloved" "Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor. He truly embodied the everyman. We all know him from 'It's A Wonderful Life,' but as I discovered his real-life story as a World War II military hero, I realised Jimmy's life makes for an amazing movie," he said. Besides Apa, the film will also feature Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley in key roles. James Stewart passed away in 1997 at the age of 89.
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Riverdale actor KJ Apa to play Hollywood legend James Stewart in upcoming biopic
Los Angeles [US], August 6 (ANI): KJ Apa is all set to portray Hollywood legend James Stewart in his next. The 'Riverdale' star has been signed on to star as the late actor in an upcoming biopic. According to Variety, the upcoming biopic will revolve around Stewart's rise in Hollywood, his Academy Award-winning work in 'The Philadelphia Story' and also his enlistment in the US Army Air Corps as a combat pilot during World War II. Not long after returning home, Stewart even worked in the 1946 film, 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Speaking about the same, KJ Apa, best known for playing Archie on the CW's 'Riverdale', expressed feeling proud of having the opportunity. "I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honoured I get to bring his story to life. 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 honouring a man who served it with great honour?" he told Variety. Titled 'Jimmy', the biopic will be directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. James Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, will serve as the executive producer. Director Burns described the Oscar-winning actor as "universally beloved," further adding that his life will make an amazing film. "Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor. He truly embodied the everyman. We all know him from 'It's A Wonderful Life,' but as I discovered his real-life story as a World War II military hero, I realised Jimmy's life makes for an amazing movie," he said. Besides Apa, the film will also feature Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley in key roles. James Stewart passed away in 1997 at the age of 89. (ANI)
Buzz Feed
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Which movies from before 1975 do you think everyone should watch at least once?
For me, it's got to be The Sound of Music and It's a Wonderful Life, two perfect movies that hinge on some of the most electric chemistry on screen. (And for more questions like this delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter, Screen Time!) 20th Century Fox
