Washington DC [US], June 4: The much-anticipated documentary ‘John Candy: I Like Me’, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, will open the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 4 at Roy Thomson Hall.
The film honors the legacy of John Candy, the beloved Toronto-born comedian known for his iconic roles in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Uncle Buck,” “Spaceballs,” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation”. Candy tragically passed away from a heart attack at age 43 in 1994.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey called the film “hugely entertaining” and praised it for having “all heart,” just like Candy himself. “Comedy fans worldwide grew up on John Candy’s humour. We love that his global career started in Toronto,” he said.
Documentary Offers Intimate Look at Candy’s Life
According to the official synopsis, the film explores Candy’s life as “a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to others while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.”
Backed by Amazon MGM Studios, the film will premiere on Prime Video later this fall.
In a joint statement, Hanks and Reynolds said, “When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person… We’re honored to tell his story, starting with his hometown of Toronto.”
While TIFF’s full 2025 lineup is yet to be revealed, the festival will run from September 4 to 14.