The first trailer for Jimmy, the upcoming biopic about American icon Jimmy Stewart, is here and the reaction is everything but quiet. Starring New Zealand-born actor KJ Apa in the title role, the preview has set off a major online debate. Fans, critics, and casual viewers are clashing over one thing: does Apa’s portrayal honor the legend, or is it a distracting impression? The film, which hits theaters on November 6, 2026, focuses on a pivotal era in Stewart’s life, and its success now hinges on this big performance.
What the Movie Is About: From Oscar Winner to War Hero
Jimmy centers on a very specific and dramatic period for James “Jimmy” Stewart. The story picks up after his big win—the Best Actor Oscar for The Philadelphia Story in 1940. At the height of his fame, Stewart made the surprising choice to put his Hollywood career on hold. He wanted to enlist and fight for his country as World War II intensified.
This was not an easy path. Stewart was first rejected by the U.S. Army Air Corps for being underweight. He had to work hard to gain the necessary pounds before he was finally accepted in March 1941. He wasn’t just a celebrity soldier; he became a skilled combat pilot and commander, flying 20 dangerous missions over Europe and earning multiple medals for his service. The movie will show both his time as a Hollywood star and his intense experiences as a soldier.
The Voice Heard Around the Internet
The moment the trailer dropped on December 17, the focus instantly landed on KJ Apa’s voice. Jimmy Stewart had one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in film history—a slow, thoughtful, midwestern drawl. For any actor, nailing it is the biggest challenge.
The online response has been sharply divided:
- The Supporters: Some viewers and critics have praised Apa’s effort. One entertainment writer admitted being stunned, saying, “I’m shocked by how well he nailed the voice,” and called him a “dead ringer” for Stewart. Other fans online agreed, calling the voice “uncanny” and expressing that they went from “skeptical to genuinely excited”.
- The Skeptics: A large portion of the reaction has been critical. Many feel the attempt to imitate Stewart’s unique speech patterns falls flat or feels exaggerated. One common opinion online is that “It’s impossible to do Jimmy Stewart’s voice without sounding like you’re doing a bit”. Others critiqued the acting approach, suggesting Apa was focusing too much on the sound of the voice rather than the full performance behind it.
Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, Jimmy Stewart’s daughter and an executive producer on the film, told Variety: “I have long thought that it would be hard to find an actor who could bring my father to life without doing an extended Jimmy Stewart impersonation. But that actor has been found and his name is KJ Apa. I was privileged enough to visit the set in Ireland this last September, and there, I felt a magic. I know this will be conveyed in the film, and I can’t wait to see it.”
More Than Just a Voice: Reactions to the Full Trailer
The debate extends beyond Apa’s vocal performance. Viewers have had strong reactions to the overall style and tone of the teaser. A number of comments on social media have compared the two-minute preview to a comedy sketch, saying it has the vibe of a “Saturday Night Live skit” or a “30 Rock cutaway joke”.
Some of this reaction may stem from the supporting cast, which includes well-known comedic actors. Jason Alexander (Seinfeld) plays powerful studio head Louis B. Mayer, and Rob Riggle, known for his comedy roles, plays Colonel Terrill. For some viewers, seeing these faces in a serious historical drama was a jarring mix.
However, other fans see promise in the trailer’s focus. They point out that Stewart’s real-life war service is a powerful and less-explored story. If the film commits to that angle and Apa can balance the voice with a deeper performance, it could work.
The Star and His Supportive Cast
For KJ Apa, this role is a significant step. The 28-year-old actor is best known globally for playing Archie Andrews on the hit TV series Riverdale. Taking on an American icon like Jimmy Stewart is a major shift. Apa has expressed his deep respect for Stewart, calling him “an American Hero” and saying he felt “honored” to bring his story to life.
He is surrounded by a seasoned cast portraying famous figures from Stewart’s life:
- Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father, Alexander Stewart.
- Max Casella as legendary director Frank Capra.
- Sarah Drew as influential gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.
- Christopher McDonald as actor Lionel Barrymore.
- Kara Killmer as Lady Julia.
The film also includes a special cameo with a direct link to Stewart’s legacy. Karolyn Grimes, who played Stewart’s young daughter Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life, appears in the movie.
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When and Where to See “Jimmy”
Jimmy is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 6, 2026. The film is directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. With nearly two years until its release, the production team has ample time to consider the early audience feedback and refine the final film. Whether the online debate hurts or helps the movie’s chances, one thing is certain: people are already talking about Jimmy Stewart again.
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