For a decade, Kara Killmer was the heart and soul of Chicago Fire, embodying the compassion, strength, and resilience of paramedic Sylvie Brett. From her first appearance in season 3, when she stepped into Firehouse 51 following the tragic death of Leslie Shay, to her emotional farewell in season 12, Killmer became one of the show’s most beloved stars. Her onscreen romance with Captain Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) culminated in a wedding and a move to Portland, a fittingly hopeful send-off for a character who had given so much.
But while Brett found her happy ending, fans were left with a burning question: What’s next for Kara Killmer?
A Surprising New Chapter
After months of speculation, we finally have the answer—and it’s a role no one could have predicted. According to Variety, Killmer has signed on to Jimmy, an ambitious biopic about Hollywood legend James Stewart. She will portray Lady Julia, a role steeped in the glamour and intrigue of Stewart’s early career and personal life.
It’s a seismic shift for Killmer, who has spent most of her career in contemporary television dramas. Moving into a period piece set in the 1940s gives her a chance to flex new acting muscles, trading the high-pressure world of ambulances and emergencies for the equally high-stakes world of Golden Age Hollywood.
Inside the Biopic
Directed by Aaron Burns and penned by screenwriter Justin Strawhand, Jimmy will trace Stewart’s journey from his service as a decorated World War II pilot to his triumphant postwar return with It’s a Wonderful Life. The production is currently filming in West Cork, Ireland, bringing to life the glitz of mid-century Hollywood against the backdrop of Europe’s stunning landscapes.
Killmer isn’t the only recognizable name in the cast. Riverdale’s KJ Apa takes on the titular role of James Stewart, while Christopher McDonald portrays Lionel Barrymore, and Neal McDonough appears as Stewart’s father. The ensemble also features Rob Riggle, Jemma Donovan, Jason Alexander, Max Casella, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley. Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, has signed on as an executive producer, ensuring an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of her father’s legacy.
A Star in a New Spotlight
For Killmer, this role could be career-defining. While Chicago Fire gave her a platform to showcase her warmth and relatability, Jimmy promises to introduce her to a wider audience and spotlight her versatility. Stepping into a period drama set among Hollywood icons allows Killmer to explore a very different character type than fans are used to seeing—and the buzz surrounding the project suggests it could open more cinematic doors for her.
Looking Ahead
With production underway, Jimmy is aiming for a theatrical release in November 2026, though an official date has yet to be confirmed. If all goes as planned, Killmer’s big-screen transformation will arrive just two years after her exit from Chicago Fire.
Until then, fans eager to revisit her journey as Sylvie Brett can stream Chicago Fire seasons 3 through 12 on Peacock. And while season 14 of the NBC hit is set to premiere October 1, many viewers will undoubtedly feel Brett’s absence, even as they look forward to seeing Kara Killmer’s next act unfold on the big screen.
