The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) kicked off on September 4, 2025, with a heartfelt and nostalgic tribute to one of Canada’s most beloved comedic icons, John Candy. The world premiere of the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, opened the festival at Roy Thomson Hall, setting a celebratory tone for TIFF’s milestone anniversary. This film, a poignant exploration of Candy’s life, career, and personal struggles, has already generated buzz for its emotional depth and star-studded tributes, making it a fitting choice to launch the 11-day festival running from September 4 to 14, 2025.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Comedy Legend
John Candy: I Like Me is more than a nostalgic look at a comedy star; it’s an intimate portrait of a man whose warmth and humor left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Born in Newmarket, Ontario, and raised in Toronto, John Candy rose to fame through his work with The Second City’s sketch comedy troupe and its television counterpart, SCTV, before becoming a Hollywood staple in the 1980s and 1990s. Films like Stripes (1981), Splash (1984), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), Spaceballs (1987), Uncle Buck (1989), and Cool Runnings (1993) cemented his status as a comedic powerhouse known for his everyman charm.
The documentary, backed by Amazon MGM Studios, weaves together never-before-seen home videos, family interviews, and candid recollections from Candy’s collaborators, including comedy legends like Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, and Macaulay Culkin. It explores not only Candy’s on-screen brilliance but also his off-screen struggles with anxiety, insecurity, and the pressures of Hollywood. The film delves into how these challenges were shaped by personal tragedies, such as the loss of his father to a heart attack when Candy was just four years old—a loss that haunted him, as he feared a similar fate. Tragically, Candy passed away from a heart attack in 1994 at the age of 43 while filming Wagons East in Mexico.
Director Colin Hanks, whose father Tom Hanks co-starred with Candy in Splash and Volunteers (1985), brings a personal touch to the project. “There were real, serious, traumatic experiences that formed John and made him who he was,” Hanks shared in an interview with Variety. “He was an incredible human being and a kind, loving, generous spirit. But all of those qualities were coping mechanisms for a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow.”
A Star-Studded Premiere with Canadian Pride
The opening night gala at TIFF was a celebration of Canadian pride, with Candy’s hometown of Toronto taking center stage. Ryan Reynolds, a Vancouver native and producer of the documentary, leaned into the patriotic spirit, appearing on the red carpet in a T-shirt emblazoned with a Canadian maple leaf. He was joined by Hanks, Candy’s children Jennifer and Christopher, and other family members, who also served as executive producers. The event, held at Roy Thomson Hall, was marked by a surprise appearance from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who praised Candy’s embodiment of Canadian values like tolerance, generosity, and humility. Carney even made a subtle nod to ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions, noting Candy’s ability to stand up to bullies, which resonated with the audience.
The premiere wasn’t without a minor hiccup. During TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey’s opening remarks at the Princess of Wales Theatre, two protesters briefly displayed a sign criticizing festival sponsor RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) for its reported ties to oil and gas projects impacting Indigenous lands. The protesters left quietly, and the focus quickly returned to celebrating Candy’s legacy.
Why John Candy Still Resonates
The documentary highlights why Candy remains a beloved figure more than three decades after his passing. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion made him a standout in films that have become cultural touchstones. From his role as the lovable Uncle Buck to the poignant Del Griffith in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Candy brought authenticity and relatability to every performance. “John was a good person when no one was watching,” Reynolds said at a press conference at Toronto’s Second City, where Candy began his career. “He left in his wake a kindness and a joy.”
The film also addresses Candy’s vulnerability, particularly his struggles with mental health and his fear of mortality, which were exacerbated by his family history of heart disease. Colin Hanks noted the challenge of crafting a narrative that went beyond mere praise. “Everyone loved John Candy,” he told IndieWire. “But a film full of praise alone wouldn’t tell a compelling story.” Instead, the documentary balances nostalgia with raw honesty, using rare footage and interviews to paint a fuller picture of a man who brought joy to millions while grappling with personal demons.
A Viral Spark and a Long-Awaited Project
The genesis of John Candy: I Like Me traces back to a viral tribute video Reynolds shared on social media in 2020. The video, which highlighted Candy’s impact, resonated with fans and sparked renewed interest in his legacy. Candy’s son, Chris, and daughter, Jennifer, credited the video with laying the groundwork for the documentary. “You saw how people really grabbed onto it,” Reynolds said, recalling the overwhelming response. From there, he approached Colin Hanks, who agreed to direct, saying, “I don’t want to live in a world where there is not a documentary about John Candy.”
The project, first announced in 2022, was acquired by Amazon Prime Video in February 2023. Following its TIFF premiere, the film is set to debut globally on the streaming platform on October 10, 2025, accompanied by an original recording of “Everytime You Go Away” by Cynthia Erivo, adding an emotional layer to the viewing experience.
TIFF’s 50th Edition: A Milestone Celebration
TIFF’s choice of John Candy: I Like Me as its opening film underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating Canadian talent while marking its 50th anniversary. “Comedy fans all over the world grew up on John Candy’s humor,” said TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey. “We love that John’s global career started in Toronto, and we can’t wait to share John Candy: I Like Me with everyone at this year’s Opening Night Gala premiere. Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart.”
The festival, presented by Rogers, will feature other high-profile attendees like Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Sydney Sweeney, and Dwayne Johnson over its 11-day run. While the full lineup is yet to be announced, the opening night set a high bar with its blend of nostalgia, star power, and emotional resonance. TIFF also unveiled its own star on Canada’s Walk of Fame outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox on September 4, marking the start of the festivities.
A Legacy Preserved
For fans, John Candy: I Like Me is a chance to rediscover a comedy legend whose influence endures. The TIFF Film Reference Library already houses a free John Candy Collection, donated by his wife, Rose Candy, featuring memorabilia from his career and personal life. The documentary adds to this legacy, offering a comprehensive look at a man whose humor and humanity continue to inspire. As Jennifer Candy told The Hollywood Reporter, “He was very relatable and a down-to-earth guy, and someone whose ego wasn’t at the forefront of who he was.”
With its mix of laughter, tears, and Canadian pride, John Candy: I Like Me is poised to be a highlight of TIFF 2025 and a must-watch when it hits Prime Video. For those who grew up quoting Uncle Buck or laughing through Spaceballs, this documentary is a reminder of why John Candy’s light still shines brightly.
