John Candy’s unforgettable charm and talent are finally being celebrated in the way fans always hoped for. The new John Candy documentary, titled John Candy: I Like Me, will premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival on September 4 before making its worldwide debut on Prime Video. Produced by Ryan Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks, the project promises to deliver a heartfelt portrait of the late actor, who passed away in 1994 at just 43 years old.
According to People, the trailer, released ahead of the festival, highlights not only Candy’s legendary comedic career but also his personal life. It opens with an emotional reflection from Bill Murray, his Stripes co-star, who tears up remembering his friend. The John Candy documentary includes appearances from a star-studded list of collaborators and friends, including Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Hanks, Martin Short, and Mel Brooks. Together, they share stories that remind audiences why Candy’s humor and warmth left such a lasting impression.
A Tribute To John Candy’s Life
The film features never-before-seen home videos, interviews with his family, and personal recollections from Hollywood colleagues. Reynolds and Hanks explained that their goal was to show not only Candy’s comedic brilliance but also his humanity. “He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person,” they shared. The John Candy documentary paints a picture of a man who balanced professional pressures with deep devotion to his family.
Candy’s wife, Rosemary Margaret Hobor, and their children, Christopher and Jennifer, also played a role in shaping the project. Their involvement ensures that the documentary offers an intimate look at the actor’s life, from his early days in Toronto to his rise in Hollywood. Fans will also recognize the nod to Planes, Trains and Automobiles in the film’s title, reminding audiences of the warmth and humor that defined Candy’s career.
Honoring A Comedy Legend
As one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Candy made audiences laugh in classics like Uncle Buck, Spaceballs, and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Yet, as the John Candy documentary reveals, he also struggled with the same personal challenges that many people face. By sharing those truths, Reynolds and Hanks hope to honor his legacy while bringing a fuller picture of the man behind the laughter.
For longtime fans, this tribute is more than a look back at his career—it’s a chance to reconnect with the joy John Candy brought to the screen. With its emotional interviews and rare footage, the John Candy documentary promises to be a moving celebration of a comedy legend whose heart was as big as his talent.