A new documentary about John Candy shows the comedian’s life and career. The film is called John Candy: I Like Me. It is directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds. The trailer was released ahead of the movie’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary will start streaming on Prime Video on October 10, 2025. It includes never-before-seen home videos and interviews with friends and family. The film explores Candy’s impact on comedy and his personal challenges.
The Life and Career of John Candy
John Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian. He was born on October 31, 1950, in Newmarket, Ontario. He grew up in Toronto. Candy started his career in comedy with the Toronto branch of The Second City. He became famous through the SCTV sketch comedy series. Later, he starred in many popular films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, and Home Alone. Candy was known for his kind and relatable personality. He was loved by audiences around the world.
Candy’s father died when he was just four years old. This loss affected him deeply throughout his life. Despite his success, Candy struggled with anxiety and stress. He also worried about heart disease because it ran in his family. Sadly, Candy died of a heart attack on March 4, 1994, at the age of 43. He was working on the film Wagons East at the time of his death.
The Documentary’s Content and Production
The documentary includes interviews with many famous people who knew Candy. Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Catherine O’Hara are among those who share their memories. Candy’s children, Jennifer and Chris Candy, also speak about their father. They talk about his life as a parent and his struggles with fame. The film uses archival footage and home videos to tell Candy’s story.
Colin Hanks directed the documentary. He is the son of Tom Hanks, who worked with Candy on films like Splash and Volunteers. Ryan Reynolds, another Canadian actor, produced the film. Reynolds has always been a fan of Candy’s work. He has included references to Candy in some of his own movies, like the Deadpool films. The title of the documentary comes from a line in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. In the film, Candy’s character says, “I like me.” This phrase reflects Candy’s approach to life.
“I wish I had more bad things to say about him,” Bill Murray says in the documentary.
The trailer shows both happy and sad moments from Candy’s life. It highlights his comedy career but also his private struggles. Chris Candy, John’s son, speaks about how his father dealt with his emotions.
“If you go a whole lifetime eating your feelings, drinking your feelings, smoking your nerves, it shows up,” Chris Candy says.
The Toronto Film Festival Premiere
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, 2025. TIFF is a major film festival held in Toronto, Canada. Candy was known as “Johnny Toronto” because of his love for the city. The festival was the perfect place to premiere the film. Colin Hanks said that Toronto was the only place that made sense for the premiere.
“It’s beyond special. It’s kind of the only place we could do this. I mean, the man’s nickname was Johnny Toronto,” Hanks said.
Ryan Reynolds also spoke about the importance of the festival. He said that Candy was a symbol of Canadian kindness and humility. The premiere was attended by Candy’s family, as well as Hanks and Reynolds. The audience included many fans of Candy’s work.
John Candy’s Impact on Comedy
John Candy was known for his ability to make people laugh. He often played characters who were friendly and relatable. His performances in films like Uncle Buck and Cool Runnings are still loved today. Candy worked in about 44 films during his career. He was also a co-owner of the Toronto Argonauts, a Canadian football team. The team won the Grey Cup in 1991 under his ownership.
Candy’s colleagues remember him as a generous and humble person. Despite his fame, he remained down-to-earth. He cared deeply about his family and friends. In the documentary, Mel Brooks says, “He was a total actor because he was a total person.” This quote summarizes how many people felt about Candy.
The Emotional Response to the Trailer
The trailer for the documentary has received an emotional response from fans. It shows Candy’s funny moments but also his vulnerabilities. Many people who grew watching his movies feel a connection to him. The trailer includes a song by Cynthia Erivo, who sings “Everytime You Go Away.” This adds to the emotional tone of the film.
Fans of Candy are excited to learn more about his life. The documentary provides a deeper look at the man behind the comedy. It shows his struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. For many, this will be a chance to understand Candy better.
Streaming and Availability
After its premiere at TIFF, the documentary will be available on Prime Video. It will start streaming on October 10, 2025. This will allow fans all over the world to watch it. The film is produced by Reynolds’ company, Maximum Effort. Other producers include Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, and George Dewey. Candy’s family is also involved in the production.
The documentary is expected to be popular among comedy fans. It honors Candy’s legacy and celebrates his contributions to film. For those who remember his work, it will be a nostalgic experience. For younger viewers, it will be an introduction to a comedy legend.
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