The release date for a West Cork-filmed biopic has been revealed, with the rebel county setting the scene for a massive production.
The film will follow a pivotal period in the life of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, with Burns & Co Entertainment partnering with Fathom Entertainment on theatrical distribution.
Titled ‘Jimmy’, the biopic will show the period in the actor’s life that saw him go from winning the Academy Award for ‘The Philadelphia Story’ to serving as a combat pilot and commander in World War II.
According to Variety, the movie will open nationwide with a traditional theatrical release on November 6.
Riverdale star KJ Apa portrays Jimmy in the film, which shows how he rose to the rank of colonel in the war, only to return emotionally exhausted.
When Jimmy came home from the war, he landed his most iconic role as George Bailey in the Christmas movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life.’
Other big names in the cast include Kara Killmer, Neal McDonough, Max Casella, Jason Alexander, Christopher McDonald, Sarah Drew, and Rob Riggle.
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Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, told Variety that the biopic ‘is a special film filled with genuine heart and terrific performances from a remarkable ensemble cast that brings Hollywood’s golden age and the battlefields of World War II vividly to life.’
Fathom also announced that it will be bringing It’s a Wonderful Life back to cinemas on December 18 for its 80th anniversary.
The Hollywood production took over West Cork last Autumn, with Extra Extra casting agency in the county putting out a call for over 1,000 extras of all ages.
At the time, they said: ‘Extra extra is currently casting for a major feature film, shooting in West Cork. We’re looking for talented background actors to bring scenes to life. This is a costume period film, all extras will be paid and provided with a fitted costume.’
The agency asked for ‘speaking roles, swing dancers wanted, ballet dancers, Hollywood Oscar party goers, brass bands, Glen Miller Orchestra players, townspeople, airbase crew, bomber pilots, army officers, and medics’.
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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