When a feature film about Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart’s life hits theaters in November 2026, it will include two actresses very familiar to Hallmark fans.
On August 5, 2025, Variety reported that “Jimmy” will star KJ Apa, best known for playing Archie on “Riverdale,” and an impressive supporting cast that includes “Mistletoe Murders” star Sarah Drew and “Days of Our Lives” alum Jen Lilley, who starred in more than a dozen Hallmark movies before signing a two-year contract with Great American Family in 2022.
Jen Lilley Will Play Jimmy Stewart’s Wife, While Sarah Drew Plays Famous Gossip Reporter
EntertainmentNow/GettyNew Zealand-born Apa will star as Stewart, chronicling his life as a rising star, including his Academy Award win for “The Philadelphia Story” before World War II, during which he served as a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his return home, he starred in the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Apa told Variety that he’s “always been a huge James Stewart fan and feel so honored I get to bring his story to life.”
Lilley will play the actor’s wife, Gloria Stewart, who already had two young sons, ages five and three, from a previous marriage when she said “I Do” to the actor in 1949, according to Hello Magazine. The actor adopted the boys, and the couple went on to have two twin daughters, too.
Drew, meanwhile, will play famed gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, who had a radio show called “Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood,” on which she hosted a dramatization of Stewart’s life, with his blessing.
According to People, the remaining supporting cast includes “Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander as filmmaker Louis B. Mayer, “Tulsa King” star Max Casella as Frank Capra, and “9-1-1: Lone Star” actor Julian Works as Second Lieutenant Martinez. Stewart’s daughter,
Famous Friends Celebrate Sarah Drew & Jen Lilley’s Casting
Lilley and Drew’s friends and colleagues celebrated an August 5 post from producers of the “Jimmy” movie, which begins filming in Ireland in September. Among those who liked the post were Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Laura Osnes, and Danica McKellar.
In the comment section, Lilley wrote, “I am SO thrilled to be part of bringing such a wonderfully heartfelt, layered, and inspirational true story to the screens. I know America will fall in love with Jimmy Stewart all over again ❤️ and I am pinching myself I’ll get to be part of such an incredibly talented, kind, and wonderful cast!”
Lilley continued, “Can’t wait to meet you @kjapa! Hope to see my sweet friend @thesarahdrew and I will squeal if I get to meet @jalexander1959 (sir, you are a legendary performer, known for a being tremendously kind human, and are legit my managers favorite actor of all time!) ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Drew shared her own celebratory post on August 5, writing, “Over the moon to get to be a part of this beautiful film with these insanely talented humans and to bring the iconic #HeddaHopper to life!!! I’ve been sitting on this news for quite some time and am thrilled that it’s finally out in the world! Let’s goooo!!!”
Famous friends commented on Drew’s post, too, including Benjamin Ayres, who wrote, “Wow, cool!👏👏” and her bestie Erin Cahill, who commented, “Yessssss!! ❤️🙌🎉💕”
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Sarah Drew & Jen Lilley to Co-Star in Jimmy Stewart Feature Film: ‘Over the Moon’