A biopic of James Stewart is being developed for the screen, with the late star’s family involved too: more details here.
One of the most endearingly popular film stars of all time, James Stewart, is now to be the subject of a movie himself.
His life is going to be the subject of a biopic going by the title of A Truly Wonderful Life, although the impression given is that’s a holding name for the minute. An obvious tip of the hat to It’s A Wonderful Life, of course, that’s up there with Jimmy Stewart’s most popular movies (even though all concerned feared it was a misstep).
It’s a good job we’re here to point stuff like this out.
Aaron Burns is part of the team developing the movie, which is going to be a theatrical release. It’s been developed in conjunction with James Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, and she steps into an executive producer role.
It’s not going to be just focusing on James Stewart’s film career though. The movie will also focus on his military service during World War II, along with his collaborations with Frank Capra in front of the camera.
Given that he’s spent much of his career being compared to James Stewart, Tom Hanks must have people fielding calls left, right and centre at the moment. Still, Hanks is likely a little too old to play Stewart, and it appears to be early days for casting anyway at the moment.
It’s going to be quite a role for someone that, playing one of the most-loved screen actors who ever lived.
From what I can tell, it’s now been confirmed that Aaron Burns will direct the film, but that seems to be the direction it’s heading.
For now, the final words go to Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, who has said of the announcement that ““our family is thrilled that Aaron and his team approached us about bringing Dad’s story to life on the big screen … Everyone loved him as George Bailey. Now they can learn how that movie intertwined with other parts of his life in so many important ways.”
As we hear more, we’ll let you know…
