For a decade, Kara Killmer was the heart of Chicago Fire — the steady hand and compassionate soul behind paramedic Sylvie Brett. From her first call at Firehouse 51 to her emotional wedding and final goodbye, Killmer’s journey became one of the series’ emotional pillars. So when she exited midway through Chicago Fire’s twelfth season, fans felt the loss deeply.
Her departure wasn’t tragic — no fiery blaze, no gut-wrenching cliffhanger — but it still burned in fans’ hearts. Brett’s story ended on a hopeful note: she married longtime love Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and left Chicago behind for Portland. Yet for the viewers who’d grown up with her, the farewell felt like the end of an era.
For months, Killmer stayed quiet — her name absent from casting news, her next move shrouded in mystery. But now, she’s ready to rise again.
According to Variety, Kara Killmer has joined the cast of Jimmy, an ambitious new biopic about Hollywood legend James Stewart. The film will explore Stewart’s life during the 1940s — his service in World War II, his struggles to adjust to civilian life, and his iconic return to Hollywood with It’s a Wonderful Life.
In the film, Killmer plays Lady Julia, a poised and complex woman who represents the societal expectations of Stewart’s world — and perhaps, his conscience. It’s a role that takes Killmer far from the streets of Chicago and deep into the polished, pressure-filled world of Old Hollywood.
Filming is currently underway in West Cork, Ireland, with Aaron Burns directing from a script by Justin Strawhand. Jimmy also boasts the involvement of Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, as executive producer — adding a rare layer of authenticity to the project.
The cast is stacked with familiar faces. Riverdale star KJ Apa takes on the role of James Stewart, while Christopher McDonald portrays It’s a Wonderful Life co-star Lionel Barrymore. Neal McDonough plays Stewart’s father, Rob Riggle appears as Colonel Terrill, and Jemma Donovan brings to life the effervescent Ginger Rogers. Supporting roles also include Jason Alexander, Sarah Drew, Julian Works, and Jen Lilley.
Though the film doesn’t yet have an official release date, a November 2026 theatrical debut is reportedly in the works.
For Killmer, the project marks a striking pivot — from the modern grit of Chicago Fire to the cinematic elegance of 1940s Hollywood. It’s a role that could redefine her career, showcasing her range beyond the procedural world that made her a household name.
While Chicago Fire continues into its fourteenth season without Brett, her legacy endures — a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing a hero can do is move on. And for Kara Killmer, that next chapter has already begun — not in a firetruck, but beneath the glow of a vintage spotlight.
You can revisit Killmer’s decade-long run on Chicago Fire now streaming on Peacock, and catch Chicago Fire Season 14 when it returns to NBC on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9/8c.
