Latest news with #KJApa
Geek Tyrant
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
KJ Apa Set to Star as James Stewart in Upcoming Biopic JIMMY — GeekTyrant
KJ Apa is stepping into the shoes of a Hollywood legend. The Riverdale star has officially signed on to play legendary actor James Stewart in an upcoming biopic titled Jimmy . The film will explore Stewart's journey from small-town Pennsylvania to Oscar-winning Hollywood actor and World War II hero. Apa shared his excitement about the role, saying: 'I have always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored 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 honoring a man who served it with great honor.' Directed and produced by Aaron Burns, Jimmy will chronicle Stewart's early acting career, his Academy Award win for The Philadelphia Story , and his brave service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. The story continues with his post-war return to Hollywood and his iconic role in It's a Wonderful Life , directed by Frank Capra, who will be portrayed by Max Casella. The film also features Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer, Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez, and Jen Lilley as Stewart's wife, Gloria. Stewart's daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, is executive producing the project and voiced her support for Apa's casting. 'My family and I are delighted and excited that KJ Apa has agreed to play my father in this film,' she said. 'In addition to his considerable acting skills, KJ's enthusiasm for the project will only add to the energy and depth he will bring to the role.' Burns expressed how Stewart's real-life legacy inspired the film, saying, '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 realized Jimmy's life makes for an amazing movie. 'I'm truly honored that Kelly Stewart-Harcourt and the Stewart family have entrusted Burns & Co. to share Jimmy with the world, and I'm excited to see KJ Apa and the rest of our amazing cast bring this story to life.' Scripted by Justin Strawhand, the film will be produced by Strawhand, Burns, David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton of Redted Media. Executive producers include Andre Caraco, Jack McClintock, Bob Gordon, Sam Juergens, Amy K. Mitchell, Edwina Forkin, Kip Konwiser, Walter Krumm III, and Brian Williams. Principal photography kicks off in West Cork, Ireland, on September 1, with the support of the Screen Ireland Nationwide Fund. Jimmy is set for a U.S. theatrical release in November 2026. Before that, Apa will be seen next in The Map That Leads to You , a romantic drama directed by Lasse Hallström and co-starring Madelyn Cline, premiering August 20 on Prime Video. Source: Variety
Extra.ie
7 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
7 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
7 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
7 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)
