--- title: "The new Jimmy Stewart biopic depicts his World War II service" date: "2026-02-13" modified: "2026-02-13" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/entertainment/new-jimmy-stewart-biopic-world-war-ii/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Movies and TV" tags: - "Entertainment" - "Movies" - "Quick Hits" --- # The new Jimmy Stewart biopic depicts his World War II service ![jimmy movie 2026 give back campaign]() *"Jimmy," starring KJ Apa, is in theaters Nov. 6, 2026. (Burns & Co. Entertainment)* There’s a scene in “It’s a Wonderful Life” where George Bailey sits in a bar. He’s struggling, at the end of his rope. He prays for help and begins crying. It’s one of the most emotional scenes in film history and makes us all ugly-cry every Christmas. What some people may not realize is that actor Jimmy Stewart, who plays Bailey in the movie, was really crying. He was on a Hollywood soundstage, in front of a crew of hundreds, really pouring his heart out. Crying wasn’t even in the script. The take even surprised the director, Frank Capra, who couldn’t get Stewart to do it again for another shot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5p9fENMjJg As Stewart sat there, pretending to be George Bailey reflecting on his life, the actor apparently began reflecting on his own life—especially [his experiences in World War II](). And his momentary breakdown made cinema history. “Jimmy,” a new movie about Stewart’s wartime life, hits theaters Nov. 6, 2026, and it’s here to bring that other half of his life back into the spotlight, connecting his dots in a way most people have never seen: the Oscar-winning actor, the combat pilot, the commander, and the regular guy who came home changed. If you’ve ever loved “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “The Philadelphia Story,” you already know Jimmy Stewart could be a man holding two truths at once. And because this story is about service, it’s also trying to give back. Alongside the film, Burns & Co. Entertainment has launched [a Give Back campaign with Vet Tix]() to help put butts in theater seats, specifically butts belonging to those who serve. The goal is bold and specific: to secure one million donated movie tickets for active-duty military members, veterans, first responders, and their families to see “Jimmy” in theaters. All donations to the Give Back campaign are 100% tax deductible, and 100% of the proceeds go towards donated tickets. It’s one of those rare campaigns where the action matches the message. A film about service is pairing itself with a way to serve. A story about kindness is asking people to practice it, not just applaud it. A small but real "thank you for your service." So watch the trailer and share it with someone who’d appreciate it. If you’re able, help fill a few seats for the people who spent a chunk of their lives serving. https://youtu.be/LmaWSb7WQ1E?si=jff7kcM-qm-dKh1F Directed by Aaron Burns, “Jimmy” stars KJ Apa (“Riverdale”) as Jimmy Stewart and Kara Killmer (“Chicago Fire”) as Lady Julia. The cast also includes Neal McDonough (“Band of Brothers”), Max Casella (“Tulsa King”), Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), Christopher McDonald (“Happy Gilmore”), Sarah Drew (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Rob Riggle (“12 Strong”), Julian Works (“Mending the Line”), and Jen Lilley (“The Artist”). To learn more about “Jimmy,” [visit the film’s official website](), follow @jimmystewartmovie on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @jimmymovie2026 on X. ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()