At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Ryan Reynolds spoke about his involvement in the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, sharing why certain harsh footage about the late comedian was removed. Working alongside director Colin Hanks, Reynolds revealed they encountered archival clips of journalists making unkind remarks about Candy’s appearance, prompting careful consideration about what to include in the film.
Reynolds, a Canadian actor and producer on the documentary, stated that some of the negative commentary from reporters was excised to preserve respect for Candy’s legacy. He personally reached out to one of those journalists to discuss the decision.
Handling Hurtful Comments with Sensitivity
During a packed audience conversation at TIFF, Reynolds elaborated on his choice to cut certain scenes containing disparaging comments about John Candy’s body. He said the removal was not meant to shame or reprimand anyone but came from a place of thoughtful reflection about the film’s tone and message.
“There was a lot of things we left out of the documentary, journalists just saying stuff. One of them I called. I didn’t put it in the movie, but I called this journalist just to see,”
Reynolds told the crowd.
“I wasn’t trying to shame him or teach him a lesson,”
he explained.
“[I told him] I took it out of the movie, but I’d put it in the movie if you wanted to talk about it, because maybe you have something to say about it, about your journey whenever it comes to something like that,”
Reynolds continued.
“We had such a thoughtful conversation about it.”
The documentary still addresses how Candy was often teased about his weight, including instances where he was confronted about it directly during interviews. However, these moments are balanced with Candy’s sharp and humorous responses, highlighting his wit as well as his humanity.
John Candy’s Enduring Impact on Canada and Film
Reynolds grew visibly emotional while reflecting on John Candy’s importance to Canadian culture and his own life. Premiering the documentary in Candy’s home country added an additional layer of significance for Reynolds, who views the film as a way to honor the comedian’s legacy.
He acknowledged the possibility that this documentary might serve as the final major cinematic tribute to John Candy’s life and career, intensifying his commitment to presenting an honest but respectful portrayal.
Featuring Stories from Friends and Family
John Candy: I Like Me offers insights from many of Candy’s close friends and collaborators, including Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Mel Brooks, who directed Spaceballs. The film also features Candy’s family members speaking about their experiences growing up alongside the beloved star.
Christopher Candy, John’s son, shared an emotional perspective on the protection his father showed toward young actor Macaulay Culkin while filming the 1989 movie Uncle Buck.
“We had heard stories that [Culkin] had a tough situation [at home] and knew that, but I didn’t really kind of get that that’s what he was getting at [in his interview],”
Christopher said, addressing Culkin’s comments about a difficult relationship with his own father, Kit Culkin.
“And it really hits as I watch the movie now, that he really appreciated our dad kind of looking out for him, and that is a really sweet thing to see.”
Macaulay Culkin Reflects on John Candy’s Care Behind the Scenes
In the documentary, Macaulay Culkin discusses Candy’s protective nature on set and the innate kindness he showed despite the challenges in Culkin’s personal life.
“I think he always had that really great instinct. I think he saw. Listen, even before the wave crested and the Home Alone stuff was happening, it was not hard to see how difficult my father was. It was no secret. He was already a monster,”
Culkin recalled.
“All of a sudden, the fame and the money came, and he became an infamous monster. He was already not a good guy. I think John was looking a little side-eyed, like, ‘Is everything alright over there? You doing good? Good day? Everything’s alright? Everything good at home? Alright.’”
Film Release and Festival Screening Details
John Candy: I Like Me premiered at TIFF, which is running through September 14, 2025, and is scheduled to debut on Amazon Prime Video on October 10. The documentary’s release is a significant moment for fans and Canadians alike, offering a comprehensive look into Candy’s life, career, and the challenges he faced in the entertainment industry.
This film not only honors John Candy’s legacy but also opens conversations about the treatment of public figures in the media, as demonstrated by Ryan Reynolds’ careful editorial choices and his willingness to engage directly with those involved in past criticisms.
