John Candy Documentary “I Like Me” Opens TIFF’s 50th Edition

TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2025 - The long-awaited documentary John Candy: I Like Me received its world premiere tonight as the opening film of the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the feature pays intimate tribute to the beloved Canadian comedian through unseen home videos, family interviews, and reflections from Candy’s collaborators.

Earlier today, Ryan Reynolds shared the film’s first official trailer on his Instagram, writing, “Love is not a big enough word,” alongside footage of Candy’s most iconic roles and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the actor’s life off-camera. The trailer, which dropped on Prime Video’s YouTube channel, highlights Candy’s signature warmth and humor while touching on his personal struggles, concluding with the film’s autumn streaming debut.

Festival Director Robyn Citizen praised the documentary as a fitting launch to TIFF’s milestone anniversary, noting that Candy’s blend of comedy and heartfelt sincerity remains deeply resonant. John Candy: I Like Me will screen again during the festival’s gala events before its global streaming release on Amazon Prime Video this October.