Fans of actor KJ Apa have been left stunned after hearing his completely transformed voice in the trailer for an upcoming biopic about Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart.
A Viral Transformation
The trailer for the new film, titled 'Jimmy', was released on 17th December 2025. It showcases Apa's portrayal of the iconic American actor and World War II aviator, James "Jimmy" Stewart. Almost immediately, clips focusing on Apa's vocal performance began circulating widely online, with many viewers expressing shock at how different he sounds.
One fan tweeted, "I simply do not have the ability to process KJ Apa's Jimmy Stewart voice until at least Q1 2026." Another drew a comparison to a recent high-profile biopic performance, joking, "when kj apa keeps the jimmy stewart accent like austin butler with elvis."
Others were full of praise, with one social media user writing: "The voice, the looks, the acting chops woah KJ Apa the star that you are..."
Mastering a Legendary Accent
KJ Apa, who is originally from New Zealand and rose to fame playing Archie Andrews in the series Riverdale, is no stranger to accent work. Audiences have heard his natural Kiwi tone, his convincing American accent for Riverdale, and more recently, a British accent for his pop star persona Mr. Fantasy.
However, the role of Jimmy Stewart presented a unique challenge. The real Stewart, born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, was known for his distinctive speaking style—a unique blend of his Pennsylvanian roots and a refined, almost transatlantic cinematic accent. Apa's performance in the trailer suggests he has immersed himself deeply in capturing this specific vocal quality.
What We Know About The Film
The biopic 'Jimmy' will chart the life and career of Jimmy Stewart, from his rise as a beloved star of the silver screen to his service as a pilot during World War II. The film is produced by Burns & Co Entertainment.
The cinema release date is set for 6th November 2026, giving fans plenty of time to replay the viral trailer and marvel at Apa's transformation. The actor has previously spoken about the pressures of such roles, having noted in the past that he "didn't feel comfortable" going shirtless on Riverdale, highlighting his thoughtful approach to his craft.
With the trailer making such a strong initial impression, anticipation for the full film is already building rapidly online.
