https://collider.com/jimmy-new-trailer-world-premiere-fort-worth
By Jake Hodges
Published Jul 1, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 3000 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams. Alongside interviewing stars such as Selin Hizli, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Harlan Coben, and Chelsea Peretti, Jake was lucky enough to visit the set of Aardman and Netflix’s Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl in 2024, getting the chance to chat with four-time Academy Award winner Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Jake has also worked for other publications, including Agents of Fandom. You can also hear Jake every week as the resident film and TV journalist on Track Radio.
The moment George Bailey became the richest man in town, Clarence earned his wings, and the world sobbed through smiles, Jimmy Stewart cemented his name as an undeniable Hollywood icon. But this moment was all the more poignant for the Indiana-born actor, as it marked his first film after serving as a decorated bomber pilot in World War II. For a life full of glitz and glamour, and one celebrated on the biggest stages in the film industry, he also served his country in the darkest of hours, a fact set to be explored in detail in the upcoming biopic Jimmy.
Riverdale‘s KJ Apa takes on the role of the Hollywood legend, joined by the likes of Rob Riggle (The Daily Show), Kara Killmer (Chicago Fire), Max Casella (Tulsa King), and more, in the biopic directed by Aaron Burns and written by Justin Strawhand. Following the release of a trailer in May, Collider is thrilled to exclusively debut a brand-new look at the upcoming film, with a new trailer and several images. We can also reveal that the film will have its world premiere at the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted by Papaian Studios, on November 4. Fathom Entertainment will release Jimmy in theaters on November 6. But why tell this story, and why tell it now? Hien Papaian, studio founder, answered this question, revealing how she felt compelled to tell a story full of kindness and resilience, something the world is in desperate need of today:
“The reason why we said yes to Jimmy was because there’s a powerful message of resilience in kindness there. Jimmy didn’t give up on being human just because he was broken. In fact, he fought to stay human even when it was the most difficult thing to do. He chose to be kind when it was easier to not be. He decided to love when it was easier to not care. Great storytelling matters. The right message matters even more. Papaian Studios is extremely selective in our projects. We get behind the storytelling and the message. Jimmy is one we’re extremely proud to be a part of.”
Fort Worth Is the Perfect Location for the ‘Jimmy’ World Premiere
“If we move about in complete trust in God and actually believe He moves us when we listen, then this is the answer for why Fort Worth. At the time, my heart just wanted to follow God’s plans for anything and everything,” said Papaian, who felt God’s calling to Fort Worth to establish Papaian Studios, a media company created to support entertainment projects that positively impact culture. “First time I ever went to Fort Worth was to see this property. A series of events brought me to the property, and I immediately fell in love the moment I was there.”
But it wasn’t just a physical bond Papaian felt with the location. “Beyond the physical beauty of the place, there was a peace – a calming deep within my heart that can only be explained by feeling at home,” she continued. “I knew Fort Worth was where I wanted to build purpose for the remaining chapters of my life.”
“The purpose of Papaian Studios is to become a creative campus for those who are passionate about all forms of media, done in excellence, not just focused on today’s society but also to build up our future generations. There’s enough ugliness in this world. We want to tell great stories that unite us and remind us to be kind, believe in each other and love better. We exist for purpose and not for profit. It’s idealistic, sure. But we believe with the right hearts, it’s doable. And this is why we’re extremely selective with the projects we want to be part of.”
Additionally, Stewart had deep ties to the Fort Worth community, serving as the celebrity ambassador to the city during the 1970s, supporting philanthropic efforts for the Fort Worth Zoo, recording tourism advertisements, and filming one of his most famous roles in the area, Strategic Air Command. Beyond the premiere, Fathom Entertainment is bringing the film to a wider audience on November 6, just ahead of Veterans’ Day on November 11.
‘Jimmy’ Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday
“My family and I are deeply grateful to all the partners who helped make the movie, Jimmy, a reality. Many of these partners are organizations and companies who have a long history of supporting our military and our veterans, a fact which most Americans are unaware of. These iconic brands do not trumpet their support. They just provide it,” Jimmy’s daughter and executive producer, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, said. “This is the kind of quiet patriotism that characterized my father, Jimmy Stewart. True patriots don’t have to beat their chests.”
Several American brands and organizations have thrown their support behind the film ahead of the upcoming 4th of July weekend. Brands that once supplied materiel support to the U.S. Army Air Corps and America’s soldiers and Airmen, including the American Legion, American Optical, the American Red Cross, Bulova, Easy Built Models, Hanes, M&M’S, MoonPie, and The Salvation Army, have once again stepped forward in honor of the actor and his legacy of service. Bevin Bells, the company that made the original It’s A Wonderful Life bell and New York-based bakery, Bake-Me-A-Wish, also plan to release movie tie-in products to coincide with the film’s release.
Going above and beyond, the U.S. Air Force provided historical research, technical expertise, and cast to support the production of Jimmy. The Commemorative Air Force, the Jimmy Stewart Museum, and the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force also provided research and support to the movie. Alongside the American Legion and The Salvation Army, the Air & Space Forces Association, the American Veterans Center, Best Defense Foundation, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Folds of Honor, Honor Flight Network, Merging Vets and Players, the National Guard Association of the United States, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Sandboxx, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Team RWB, Vet Tix, Warrior Canine Connection, and Wreaths Across America have partnered with Jimmy to support military and veteran communities.
The movie also has an incredible Giving Back campaign to provide donated tickets for military members and veterans to see Jimmy in theaters. The initiative, which is being supported by Bulova, Hanks Coffee, the NFL, Papaian Studios, and White Castle, has already received more than $2 million in donations. Veteran-owned Nine Line Apparel is the official merchandise partner of Jimmy; women’s clothing company Frances Valentine and jeweler Gorjana will support the movie’s official premiere; Running Press will publish Finding Wonderful: Hopeful Lessons from Jimmy Stewart in the fall; and the Aero Leather Company, Besame, Boodles, and Eight & Bob cologne have also contributed to the production of Jimmy.
This news is perfectly timed, too, with the trailer released in conjunction with the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, and with the anniversary of Stewart’s passing on July 2. Stay tuned to Collider for more details, and check out the new trailer and images above.