Kelly Stewart Harcourt, daughter of Oscar winner James Stewart and executive producer on the film, initially worried a movie about her father would be dull. Stewart's life lacked the scandals typical of Hollywood biopics. She changed her mind when she learned the film would focus on his World War II service, a period of life he was most proud of but never discussed with his children.
The film, titled "Jimmy," stars KJ Apa as Stewart. It centers on his military career in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he flew 20 combat missions over Europe and rose to the rank of Colonel by war's end, ultimately becoming a Brigadier General.