The Ryan Reynolds produced John Candy documentary at TIFF, titled John Candy: I Like Me and directed by Colin Hanks, will make its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Opening Night Gala this September, promising to reveal never-before-seen footage of the beloved Canadian comedian. The festival will host this tribute to Candy’s life and work from September 4 to 14, before the film later streams on Prime Video in the fall.
A Celebrated Legacy of Canadian Comedy
John Candy holds a special place in comedy history as a founding member of SCTV, the groundbreaking Canadian sketch show that became North America’s answer to Lorne Michaels’ Saturday Night Live. Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, Candy delighted audiences with standout roles in films like Planes, Trains & Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, and Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs. His career also included fan favorites such as Cool Runnings and Michael Moore’s Canadian Bacon, where he humorously explored a fictional conflict between the United States and Canada.
Candy’s presence extended well beyond his most iconic roles. Audience members remember him for supporting turns in movies including The Blues Brothers, Home Alone, Steven Spielberg’s 1941, and Stripes. His distinctive voice featured in the animated cult classic Heavy Metal, and he made memorable appearances in Little Shop of Horrors, Richard Pryor’s Brewster’s Millions, Oliver Stone’s JFK, and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
The Film’s Approach: A Personal and Honest Exploration
Rather than simply revisit John Candy’s greatest hits, the documentary aims to provide a more intimate window into both his artistry and his private world. According to the official synopsis from Amazon MGM Studios, the film will offer viewers access to never-before-seen home videos and personal moments, feature interviews with close family members, and share reflective accounts from longtime collaborators. All of this intends to capture who Candy was as not only a son, husband, father, and friend, but also as a creative force who worked tirelessly to bring happiness to his fans, even as he quietly faced personal challenges and the demands of Hollywood.
Colin Hanks, son of actor Tom Hanks, brings his own connection to Candy, having shared the screen with him in the classic comedy Splash. Stories from that set, such as Candy filming a squash game scene with Tom Hanks after a rowdy night out, demonstrate Candy’s unmatched comedic instincts and commitment to his craft—even in the most challenging circumstances. His actions on and off the set solidified his reputation as not only a memorable performer but also a genuine and compassionate individual.
Insight from the Creators
The emotional weight of the project is evident in statements from its creative team.
“When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person. People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was. He went through the same struggles we all do, except now we talk about them. We are incredibly honoured to have gotten to know the man better through this process and to bring the real John Candy to audiences starting with his hometown of Toronto,”
—Hanks and Reynolds, in a joint statement
An Enduring Impact—And a Fitting Tribute at TIFF
John Candy’s unexpected passing from a heart attack at age 43 in 1994, while filming Wagons East, cut short a singular career but left a comedic legacy revered by fans and actors alike. With Toronto as his hometown and the backdrop for his earliest breakthroughs, it is a resonant choice for the premiere of a film dedicated to his story. The Ryan Reynolds produced John Candy documentary at TIFF not only spotlights the warmth and talent that made Candy an icon but also contextualizes his lasting influence on generations of comedians, filmmakers such as Mel Brooks, Michael Moore, Steven Spielberg, Lorne Michaels, and actors including Tom Hanks and Richard Pryor.
While this documentary takes center stage at TIFF’s 50th edition, Canadian comedy remains in the spotlight: director Martin Scorsese has also been working on a new special, An Afternoon with SCTV, for Netflix and CTV, keeping the spirit and impact of trailblazers like Candy alive for new audiences. As anticipation builds for the film’s streaming debut on Prime Video, fans and newcomers alike are set to rediscover the real John Candy—his struggles, triumphs, and indispensable contribution to the world of laughter.
