The beloved Canadian actor John Candy is finally getting the documentary treatment he deserves. John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, world premiered on September 4, 2025, at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film shines a spotlight on Candy’s warmth and humor, but also his personal struggles, giving fans an intimate look at the man behind the laughter.
A Festival Debut and Prime Video Release
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the trailer dropped just ahead of TIFF’s Opening Night Gala, where Candy’s story set the tone for the festival. The film will launch globally on Prime Video on October 10, 2025, accompanied by an emotional soundtrack featuring Cynthia Erivo’s original recording of “Everytime You Go Away.”
Family, Friends, and Famous Faces
The documentary weaves together rare home videos, family memories, and new interviews with Candy’s collaborators. Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Martin Short, and Mel Brooks all share heartfelt recollections. Candy’s children, Chris and Jennifer, also contribute as co-producers, alongside their mother Rosemary Margaret Hobor. “He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person,” the film emphasizes.
Colin Hanks’ Personal Approach
Hanks explained to IndieWire that crafting the narrative was more challenging than expected. “Everyone loved John Candy,” he noted, adding that a film full of praise alone wouldn’t tell a compelling story. Instead, Hanks explored Candy’s anxiety about mortality, stemming from his father’s early death from a heart attack. Candy often felt he was living on borrowed time, a theme that resonates throughout the documentary.
A Legacy Reconsidered
The film highlights poignant moments, such as Candy’s performance in The Great Outdoors, now reframed with deeper emotional weight. It also revisits his breakthrough leading role in Summer Rental, where director Carl Reiner recognized Candy’s unique blend of humor and humanity. Stories from Macaulay Culkin and others reveal how Candy made people feel valued, whether on set or off, cementing his reputation as a true everyman.
John Candy: I Like Me is more than a nostalgic trip—it’s a reminder of why audiences adored him and why his loss in 1994 still feels profound. For fans of both comedy and heartfelt storytelling, this documentary promises to leave a lasting impression.
With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.
Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.
Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.
Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.
