Fathom Releasing Untold True Story of Icon Jimmy Stewart

Burns & Co. Entertainment partners with Fathom for nationwide theatrical release of biopic starring KJ Apa

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:33pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering golden sequins and jagged shards of glass, creating a high-contrast, abstract texture that evokes the glamour and drama of classic Hollywood.The upcoming biopic "Jimmy" aims to capture the transformative years of iconic actor Jimmy Stewart's life, from his Oscar win to his service in World War II.Philadelphia Today

Burns & Co. Entertainment announced a partnership with Fathom Entertainment for the U.S. theatrical distribution of the highly anticipated feature film "Jimmy", based on the untold true story of beloved American actor Jimmy Stewart. Starring KJ Apa as Stewart, the movie will open nationwide on November 6 and explore the transformative years of Stewart's life, from winning the Academy Award for Best Actor to serving as a combat pilot in World War II.

Why it matters

The film aims to inspire audiences by highlighting the life of an iconic American actor who overcame personal struggles after the war to deliver one of cinema's most beloved performances in "It's a Wonderful Life". Fathom's involvement ensures the movie will receive a wide nationwide release, exposing Stewart's story to a large audience.

The details

"Jimmy" will bring to the big screen the most transformative years of Jimmy Stewart's life, from his Oscar win for "The Philadelphia Story" to his service as a combat pilot and commander in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. The all-star cast is led by KJ Apa as Stewart, and includes Kara Killmer, Neal McDonough, Max Casella, Jason Alexander, Christopher McDonald, Sarah Drew, Rob Riggle, Julian Works, Jemma Donovan, and Jen Lilley. The film was directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand.

  • The movie "Jimmy" will open nationwide on November 6, 2026.
  • Fathom Entertainment will also bring back "It's a Wonderful Life" to theaters for its 80th anniversary starting on December 18, 2026.

The players

Burns & Co. Entertainment

The production company behind the film "Jimmy".

Fathom Entertainment

The company partnering with Burns & Co. for the nationwide theatrical distribution of "Jimmy".

KJ Apa

The actor starring as Jimmy Stewart in the film.

Aaron Burns

The director and producer of the film "Jimmy".

Justin Strawhand

The screenwriter of the film "Jimmy".

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to partner with Fathom on the U.S. distribution of Jimmy. The Fathom team has the passion and commitment to excellence that we were really looking for in a theatrical partner. We are honored that Jimmy will be widely available to audiences across the country, not only because Jimmy is a movie for all audiences, but because it will inspire and remind Americans of the importance of true heroes like Jimmy Stewart in our midst.”

— Aaron Burns, Director and Producer

“Fathom Entertainment is thrilled to partner with Burns & Co. and bring Jimmy, the fascinating and inspiring story of the iconic American actor Jimmy Stewart, to the big screen with a wide nationwide theatrical release on November 6. Jimmy is a special film, filled with genuine heart and terrific performances, from a remarkable ensemble cast that brings Hollywood's golden age and the battlefields of World War II vividly to life. And for those who fall in love with Jimmy this November, Fathom has something wonderful waiting with It's a Wonderful Life back in theatres beginning on December 18 for its 80th anniversary.”

— Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer, Fathom Entertainment

What’s next

Fathom Entertainment CEO Ray Nutt will host actor KJ Apa and debut footage from "Jimmy" at CinemaCon, the world's largest convention for the global cinema industry, during the Filmmakers Luncheon Program on April 16.

The takeaway

The release of "Jimmy" by Fathom Entertainment will bring the inspiring true story of one of America's most beloved actors to a wide audience, reminding viewers of the importance of real-life heroes like Jimmy Stewart and the power of cinema to capture their stories.