A new documentary focusing on beloved comedy actor John Candy, titled John Candy: I Like Me, is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September 2025. The film, directed by Colin Hanks, has Ryan Reynolds as one of its executive producers. This project serves as a tribute to Candy, who passed away at the age of 43 due to heart failure in 1994, highlighting his enduring influence on comedy and those who knew him.
Since the announcement of Reynolds’s involvement, many have questioned whether the two Canadian actors ever crossed paths during Candy’s lifetime. The documentary’s release has reignited interest in their possible connection as well as Reynolds’s admiration for the late star.
Examining the Connection Between John Candy and Ryan Reynolds
Although John Candy and Ryan Reynolds both hail from Canada, they never actually met or collaborated personally, as Candy died years before Reynolds rose to fame. Instead, Candy’s career and persona have long served as a source of inspiration for Reynolds throughout his own journey in acting.
Ryan Reynolds shared with the Associated Press how he often finds himself channeling characters reminiscent of classic cinema figures.
I feel like in the bigger movies I’m always either Del Griffith or Neil Page, from Planes, Trains,
he said.
I tend to really fluctuate back and forth between those guys.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
In fact, Reynolds has paid homage to John Candy’s films with subtle references sprinkled into his work, such as the phrase I like me and the appearance of a Chrysler LeBaron car in Deadpool, both nods to Candy’s legacy.
Reynolds emphasized John Candy’s genuine kindness away from the spotlight, especially in today’s world dominated by curated perfection.
John was a good person when nobody was watching, and I think that’s an increasingly scarce resource these days, in an age where everything is not only seen, it’s perfection,
he explained.
It’s like an epidemic. All we see is perfection and curation. Nobody wants to try anything new because nobody’s willing to suck at anything.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Ryan Reynolds’s Canadian Roots and Tribute to John Candy
Both actors share a strong Canadian identity, which was an important factor for Reynolds in choosing to premiere the documentary in Canada. According to him, John Candy’s nationality shaped his humor and perspective.
John was distinctly Canadian. Like me, he was really proud of where he came from and understood that his Canadianness was an advantage in this business,
Reynolds noted.
It gave him a kind of self-effacing humour where he didn’t take himself too seriously.
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor
Reynolds acknowledged the challenge of crafting a compelling documentary centered on a man whose kindly nature seemed uncontroversial. He recalled that many potential interviewees initially worried the project might lack drama because Candy was “unimpeachable,” yet his joyful spirit was unforgettable.
Although Candy and Reynolds never formed a personal bond, Reynolds’s upbringing with admiration for Candy clearly shaped his career and values. Now, with the documentary, he honors the late comedian’s life and the joy he spread before his untimely death.
Macaulay Culkin Reflects on John Candy’s Quiet Support
Among those remembering John Candy’s impact is Macaulay Culkin, who recalled Candy’s protective presence on the set of Uncle Buck. Candy’s kindness extended beyond his performances, offering a sense of comfort and care to colleagues, which further cements his legacy as more than just a comic figure.
What to Expect from the Documentary’s Premiere
The film’s debut at the Toronto International Film Festival will offer audiences a closer look at John Candy’s life through the eyes of those who valued him immensely, guided by Colin Hanks’s direction and Ryan Reynolds’s passionate production role. This celebration of Candy’s career and character also highlights the ongoing appreciation of Canadian talent in Hollywood and beyond.
The documentary not only preserves John Candy’s memory but also introduces his influence to new generations, making it a significant cultural event for fans and newcomers alike. The festival screening promises to ignite conversations about legacy, kindness, and the often unseen qualities that made Candy a cherished figure.
