Attendees at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference got an exclusive first look at a new trailer for Jimmy, a film about the life and military service of Brig. Gen. James "Jimmy" Stewart, Sept. 16. The panel featured Kelly Stewart Harcourt, Stewart's daughter and an executive producer; Aaron Burns, the film's director; and Lt. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, U.S. Air Force director of staff.
The trailer gave the audience an early look at the film, which follows Stewart's decision to leave behind a successful Hollywood career to serve in the Army Air Corps and later the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The panel emphasized the significance of his story and its ties to U.S. Air Force ideals.
"It's a story that a lot of people don't know about," Harcourt said. "He wanted to live a life of service, and he wanted to do right."
Stewart was initially assigned to a pilot training role and had to fight to see action in World War II. He ended up flying over 20 combat missions, staying in uniform after the war and co-founding AFA.
"We're making this movie so that the next generation will learn about Jimmy Stewart," Burns said.
Early in the film's development, Burns and Harcourt sat down to discuss Stewart's life outside of the spotlight. Rather than focusing on the grander moments of his life, they made the decision that the film would be a more personal story.
"We've all seen World War II movies. You've all seen Hollywood biopics, but you've never seen World War II from the eyes of an actor who goes off to experience it," Burns said.
For Gebara, that connection between past and present is exactly why Jimmy Stewart's story still resonates across the force today.
"It's incredibly inspirational," Gebara said. "People from all walks of life made that choice and continue to make that choice today to serve their country."
Department of the Air Force support to the film included both personnel and historical expertise. Sixteen active-duty U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band members appeared in the film as musicians and recorded songs for the soundtrack, while the Air Force Historical Research Agency provided archival support to help ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Jimmy is scheduled for release Nov. 6, 2026. Production has also worked with Vet Tix and AAFES for free tickets and screening opportunities for eligible military audiences.
