Film on life of Jimmy Stewart set to be West Cork’s biggest film production

The biggest production to ever be filmed in West Cork is set to begin shooting this September at West Cork Film Studios.

Titled Jimmy, the film tells the true story of legendary actor James ‘Jimmy’ Stewart, charting his journey from small-town Pennsylvania to Hollywood, where he won an Academy Award for The Philadelphia Story, before pausing his acting career to serve in the US army air corps.

Mr Stewart flew 20 combat missions in Europe and rose to the rank of brigadier general — one of the highest-ranking actors to serve in active duty.

After returning from the war, Stewart starred in the now iconic It’s A Wonderful Life.

Jimmy is set for a theatrical release in the US in November 2026, with international release dates to follow.

Principal photography begins on September 1, with support from the Screen Ireland nationwide fund. The film is being directed by Aaron Burns, who also serves as producer, along with screenwriter Justin Strawhand, David Cook, Angela Galgani Sullivan, and John Norton of RedTed Media.

Mr Burns said:

 “Jimmy Stewart is universally beloved as an actor, but what truly inspired me was discovering his real-life story as a military hero. It’s an honour to bring this production to Ireland, and especially to West Cork, which has opened its arms to us.”

The cast is led by KJ Apa, of Riverdale and I Still Believe fame, in the role of Jimmy Stewart, with a supporting ensemble that includes Jason Alexander as studio mogul Louis B Mayer, Max Casella as director Frank Capra, Sarah Drew as columnist Hedda Hopper, Julian Works as Lt Martinez, Jen Lilley as Stewart’s wife Gloria Stewart.

Other executive producers include former Sony executive Andre Caraco, Jack McClintock, Bob Gordon, Sam Juergens, Amy K Mitchell, Edwina Forkin, Kip Konwiser, Walter Krumm III, and Brian Williams.

The production is expected to bring a major economic boost to West Cork, with hundreds of cast, crew, and visitors descending on the area.

Extra Extra casting agency in Cork has put out a call for more than 1,000 extras, and all ages are encouraged to take part.