This September, the Toronto International Film Festival will open with a documentary that takes a closer look at one of Canada’s most familiar comedy figures–John Candy. He died on March 4, 1994, at age 43, while filming Wagons East in Mexico. John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, is set to premiere on September 4, kicking off the festival’s 50th edition.
Both Reynolds and Hanks have personal ties to the actor’s work and story. Reynolds, who is also Canadian, has admired John Candy since childhood, and Hanks worked with him as a kid. The documentary will explore the man beyond the screen. It will include his work, personal life, and the parts of his journey that most people never saw.
Who John Candy really was beyond the screen
View this post on Instagram
John Candy made people laugh in films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, Spaceballs, Cool Runnings, and The Great Outdoors. His performances always felt natural, and he played characters you could relate to, even when the stories around them were wild or exaggerated.
But the new documentary goes beyond the roles. It includes stories from his children, rare home videos, and conversations with people who knew him well. Reynolds and Hanks said many fans connected with his roles, but didn’t always know what he faced off-screen. Therefore, the goal is to show the full picture of who he was, not just what he did.
In the documentary, loved ones talk about who John Candy truly was
Colin Hanks has his own connection to Candy. He was only eight when he shared the screen with him in Volunteers, a film that also starred his parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Since then, Colin has made a name for himself with acting credits in shows like Fargo, The Offer, and Life in Pieces, but this particular project ties everything together on a more meaningful level.
The documentary features voices from Candy’s circle, those who shared memories and friendships with him. From candid clips to thoughtful interviews, John Candy: I Like Me captures the sincerity he carried into everything he did. It also paints a picture of who John Candy was, on and off-screen. This documentary will be available on Amazon Prime Video after its premiere at TIFF in fall 2025.