American Optical Hazemaster Takes Flight in New Jimmy Stewart Biopic, JIMMY

KJ Apa wears the iconic American Optical sunglasses in the new film, opening November 6. AO celebrates the release with a donation to Vet Tix in honor of America's military heroes.

American Optical is headed to the silver screen once again. The heritage eyewear brand makes an appearance in JIMMY, the highly anticipated biopic about legendary actor and World War II pilot Jimmy Stewart, opening in theaters nationwide on November 6, 2026. In the film, actor KJ Apa wears the American Optical Hazemaster while portraying Stewart during his service as a military pilot in World War II. With its distinctive aviator silhouette, signature sweat bar, and cable temples, the Hazemaster brings a recognizable piece of American Optical's design heritage to the big screen.

A Hollywood Legend. An American Hero.

While Jimmy Stewart is best remembered for his performances in classics like It's a Wonderful Life and The Philadelphia Story, his military career was every bit as remarkable as his Hollywood legacy. At the height of his acting career, Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, eventually flying 20 combat missions over Europe during World War II. He rose to the rank of colonel by the end of the war and later retired from the Air Force Reserve as a brigadier general. Directed by Aaron Burns, JIMMY explores this extraordinary chapter of Stewart's life, from his Academy Award-winning Hollywood success to his wartime service and eventual return to the screen. American Optical's appearance in the film is a fitting connection. Since 1833, AO has helped shape American eyewear history, including a longstanding relationship with military aviation that dates back to the earliest days of flight.

An American Optical Original

The Hazemaster's roots trace back to American Optical's longstanding history in military aviation. The style draws inspiration from the AN-6531 aviators, standardized for the U.S. Army and Navy in 1941 and supplied to the military by American eyewear manufacturers, including American Optical. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Hazemaster built on this aviation heritage with distinctive features including a handcrafted acetate sweat bar, secure-fitting cable temples, and specialty lenses designed to enhance contrast and visibility in hazy conditions. Today, the revived Hazemaster is handcrafted in the USA from premium global components, carrying forward the craftsmanship and unmistakable character that have defined American Optical for generations. From military aviation to Hollywood, American Optical's designs continue to find their place in American history.

Honoring Those Who Serve

To celebrate the release of JIMMY and honor the legacy of Jimmy Stewart's military service, American Optical will donate a portion of Hazemaster sales to Vet Tix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Through its ticket donation programs, Vet Tix provides opportunities for service members and their families to attend sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment experiences, creating meaningful moments of connection and appreciation. The initiative is part of the film's broader effort to recognize the sacrifices of those who serve and ensure that Stewart's legacy inspires a new generation.

Discover the American Optical Hazemaster

Learn more about Vet Tix and the JIMMY Give Back Campaign

JIMMY opens in theaters nationwide on November 6, 2026, distributed by Fathom Entertainment.

Watch the trailer and find tickets at JIMMYtheMovie.com

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