Toronto Film Festival Premieres John Candy Documentary Honoring Canadian Comedy Icon

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiered the documentary "John Candy: I Like Me," directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, celebrating the life and legacy of beloved Canadian comedian John Candy. The film highlights Candy's iconic work on "Second City Television" and movies like "Splash" and "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," while also candidly addressing his struggles with fatphobia and anxiety. Reynolds, a longtime admirer of Candy, initiated the project after a tribute video he produced gained significant attention, leading him to collaborate with Hanks on the documentary. The premiere was a notable event with Canadian stars, including Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara, as well as Prime Minister Mark Carney, who emphasized the importance of Canadian cultural pride amidst tensions with the U.S. The documentary features heartfelt testimonials from Candy's friends and co-stars, such as Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, and Macaulay Culkin, portraying Candy as both a comedic genius and a relatable everyman. Scheduled to stream on Prime Video in October, the film serves as a poignant homage to Candy's enduring influence on comedy and Canadian identity.