Fort Worth Hosts Premiere of Film About Jimmy Stewart
The film "Jimmy" follows Stewart's World War II military service and its influence on his role in "It's a Wonderful Life."
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Military
Fort Worth hosted the premiere of "Jimmy," a film directed by Aaron Burns with KJ Apa in the lead role, outside AMC Palace 9 in downtown Fort Worth. Mayor Mattie Parker proclaimed Nov. 4 as "Jimmy Stewart Day" ahead of the Wednesday evening event.
Why it matters
The film centers on Stewart's military service, which began in 1941, and examines how those years shaped his later screen work. Stewart's connection to Fort Worth includes 1950s filming of "Strategic Air Command" at Carswell Air Force Base.
Stewart flew 20 combat missions during World War II and later retired as a brigadier general. The film opens theatrically Nov. 6, with the Lone Star Film Festival running through Nov. 13, and the source does not report ticket or audience figures.
The players
Jimmy Stewart
Jimmy Stewart was a Hollywood actor known for films including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Strategic Air Command," and he retired from the Air Force Reserve as a brigadier general.
Mattie Parker
Mattie Parker is the mayor of Fort Worth, Texas, who issued the city proclamation designating Nov. 4 as "Jimmy Stewart Day."
KJ Apa
KJ Apa is an actor known for his role in the television series "Riverdale," and he stars as Stewart in "Jimmy."
Aaron Burns
Aaron Burns is a filmmaker who directed "Jimmy," the biopic about Stewart's military career.
The details
"Jimmy" was the opening night film for the Lone Star Film Festival, with festivities beginning with remarks from military personnel on Stewart's service. The film also depicts how that service shaped his portrayal of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," released as a holiday classic in 1946.
Timeline
1941: Stewart's military service begins.
1946: "It's a Wonderful Life" is released as a holiday classic.
1950s: Stewart films "Strategic Air Command" at Carswell Air Force Base.
Nov. 4, 2026: Fort Worth proclaims "Jimmy Stewart Day."
Nov. 5, 2026: The Fort Worth premiere of "Jimmy" is held Wednesday evening.
Legal Context
Stewart's wartime service, which included 20 combat missions, is a documented part of his career that later fed into roles such as George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life." Fort Worth's ties to his work include 1950s filming at Carswell Air Force Base, the site now known as NAS JRB.
The film opens theatrically Nov. 6, and the Lone Star Film Festival runs through Nov. 13, giving Fort Worth audiences a window to see it. Residents can check local theater listings for screening times.
The takeaway
Stewart's wartime record is a reminder that many entertainers carried military experience into their later work. The film offers a look at how that service informed one of the most recognized characters in American cinema.
Further reading
For more on military affairs, explore the Military section.
