John Candy Documentary Kicks Off Toronto Film Festival with Heartfelt Tribute

Lead John Candy’s life and legacy were celebrated as the documentary John Candy: I Like Me opened the 50th Toronto International Film Festival Thursday with a world premiere screening and cast-and-crew Q&A at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

Nut Graf Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film blends never-before-seen home videos, rare outtakes and intimate interviews with friends and family to paint a vivid portrait of the beloved Canadian comic-marking the first full-length documentary tribute to Candy since his passing in 1994.

Opening Night Highlights

Venue & Date: Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto; September 4, 2025.
Premiere Details: Screening followed by a live Q&A with director Colin Hanks, producers Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer and Christopher Candy.
Key Voices: Bill Murray praised Candy’s enduring kindness, admitting “I wish I had more negative things to say about him,” underscoring the star’s universally warm reputation.

Documentary Overview

John Candy: I Like Me traces Candy’s journey from sketch-comedy breakout on SCTV to Hollywood stardom in films such as Planes, Trains & Automobiles and Uncle Buck.

Archival Material: Home movies, audio commentaries and outtakes provide fresh insights into Candy’s personal and professional life.
Interviewees: Contributions from Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Catherine O’Hara and Candy’s children offer candid reflections on his humor, generosity and struggles.
Thematic Focus: Balances celebratory highlights of Candy’s career with revelations about his battle with anxiety and the impact of early childhood loss on his life.

Cultural and Streaming Impact

Canadian Pride: The TIFF opening underscored Candy’s status as a national icon, celebrated on home turf.
Streaming Release: Amazon Prime Video will release the documentary globally on October 10, 2025, bringing Candy’s story to a worldwide audience.

Critical Reception

Early responses applaud the film’s affectionate tone and emotional depth, noting that its collage-style narrative breaks from traditional chronology to emphasize Candy’s enduring “I like me” spirit from Planes, Trains & Automobiles. Critics highlight the documentary’s ability to evoke both laughter and tears, cementing Candy’s legacy for new generations.