U.S. Air Force Drops First Look at the New Movie 'Jimmy'

KJ Apa as Jimmy Stewart in 'Jimmy' | Photo image courtesy
(PRESS RELEASE) – The U.S. Air Force has released the first look at the new major motion picture, Jimmy, the untold true story of beloved actor Jimmy Stewart’s service in World War II as part of the U.S. Eighth Air Force and how It’s a Wonderful Life saved him when he returned home.

“This is a very American story and our goal is to honor Jimmy’s legacy both in film and the military. He volunteered to serve in one of the most dangerous combat roles during World War II. I hope this story not only resonates with all who remember Jimmy, but shows the next generation a true hero,” said KJ Apa, star of Jimmy.

The clip features Apa as Major James M. Stewart briefing the 445th Bomb Group, 2nd Bombardment Squadron before the group’s mission over Furth, Germany. Known as the climax of the February 1944 “Big Week,” the missions were in preparation for the Allied D-Day advance.

The Department of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office, based in Los Angeles, California, provided technical support to the production from historical accuracy regarding Stewart’s service to highlighting active-duty Airmen in the film, including the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, who portray Major Glenn Miller’s orchestra onscreen.

“Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart answered the call of service, like so many others who served in the Greatest Generation,” said Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, Headquarters Air Force director of staff. “His service reflects the daily sacrifices our airmen make to serve, and we are thrilled to see his heroic legacy celebrated through this film.”

The first look at Jimmy was released during the recent Air and Space Forces Association’s annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Washington, DC. The conference also featured a panel focused on the film and Stewart’s Air Force legacy, who retired in 1968 at the rank of Brigadier General. The panel featured Kelly Stewart Harcourt, Jimmy’s daughter and executive producer of Jimmy, director Aaron Burns, and Lieutenant General Andrew J. Gebara, director of staff, Headquarters Air Force, and provided three unique perspectives into Jimmy’s life and legacy.

Jimmy focuses on the most transformative season in Jimmy Stewart’s life – from winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. He flew 20 missions over Europe, rising to the rank of colonel by the end of the war, only to return home broken and disheartened. Then George Bailey and It’s A Wonderful Life came calling.

With an ensemble cast led by Apa, Jimmy also stars Kara Killmer as Lady Julia; Neal McDonough as Stewart’s father, Alexander; Max Casella as Frank Capra; Jason Alexander as Louis B. Mayer; Christopher McDonald as Lionel Barrymore; Sarah Drew as Hedda Hopper; Rob Riggle as Colonel Terrill; Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez; Jemma Donovan as Ginger Rogers and Jen Lilley as Gloria Stewart. Burns directed the movie from a script by Justin Strawhand.

WATCH THE FIRST LOOK VIDEO FOR JIMMY: