John Candy: I Like Me (2025) Release Date & Where to Watch: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Comedy Legend ✨

This fall, Prime Video invites audiences to rediscover the laughter, kindness, and humanity of one of comedy’s most beloved figures. John Candy: I Like Me, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, is a moving new documentary that brings the story of John Candy to life like never before. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, 2025, before streaming on Prime Video on October 10, this film is more than a documentary—it’s a love letter to a man who made the world laugh and cry in equal measure.

🌟 The Legacy of John Candy

“You know, I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. Because I’m the real article.” – Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

That unforgettable line captures the spirit of John Candy, a Canadian actor and comedian who became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s. From his breakout days on Second City Television to unforgettable performances in classics like Uncle Buck, Cool Runnings, and Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Candy’s warmth and humor cemented him as a cultural icon.

But behind the laughter was also a devoted husband, loving father, and humble friend—a side of him the world rarely saw.

🎬 About the Documentary

John Candy: I Like Me explores both the public and private lives of the comedy giant. With never-before-seen home videos, intimate interviews with family and friends, and personal stories from collaborators, the film paints a fuller portrait of Candy’s life.

• Directed by: Colin Hanks

• Produced by: Colin Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Pariseau, George Dewey, Shane Reid, Sean M. Stuart, Glen Zipper

• Music by: Tyler Strickland

• Featuring: A new musical recording by Cynthia Erivo

The documentary blends laughter with tears, giving audiences a chance to celebrate Candy’s artistry while reflecting on the struggles and vulnerabilities that made him human.

🌍 Cast & Voices Featured

This isn’t a film with actors playing roles—it’s a story told through real voices, memories, and footage. Expect to hear from:

• Candy’s family, offering deeply personal reflections.

• Friends and collaborators, sharing stories from the sets of his most iconic films.

• Never-before-seen footage, revealing the side of John Candy far away from Hollywood spotlights.

💡 Ryan Reynolds’ Connection to John Candy

For Ryan Reynolds, this project is more than just another production—it’s deeply personal. As a fellow Canadian actor and lifelong fan of John Candy, Reynolds has often spoken about how much Candy’s humor and humanity influenced him growing up.

Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, partnered on this documentary as a way to honor Candy’s memory and ensure a new generation of audiences appreciates his legacy. In interviews, Reynolds has called Candy “a national treasure” and expressed his desire to celebrate not only his comedy but also his kindness and humility.

By producing John Candy: I Like Me, Reynolds bridges generations—bringing together Candy’s timeless legacy with today’s audiences who continue to be inspired by his films.

🎥 Production & Release

The project was first announced in 2022 by Ryan Reynolds, a lifelong John Candy fan, and was later acquired by Amazon Prime Video in 2023. After years of anticipation, the film is finally ready for audiences:

• World Premiere: September 4, 2025 – Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

• Streaming Release: October 10, 2025 – Prime Video

• Runtime: 113 minutes

❤️ Why This Film Matters

John Candy wasn’t just an actor—he was a part of people’s lives. His characters represented kindness, clumsiness, and compassion all rolled into one. His sudden passing in 1994 left a void in comedy, but his influence continues to inspire generations.

This documentary doesn’t just remind us why we laughed at him—it reminds us why we loved him.

📺 Where to Watch

John Candy: I Like Me will stream exclusively on Prime Video starting October 10, 2025.

🙌 Final Thoughts

Emerald Fennell once said that stories are powerful because they remind us who we are. With John Candy: I Like Me, Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds deliver a touching story about a man who gave his whole heart to comedy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, this documentary will leave you smiling through tears.

“Love… is not a big thing, it’s a million little things.” – John Candy

❓ FAQs about John Candy: I Like Me

Q1: Who directed John Candy: I Like Me?

A: The documentary is directed by Colin Hanks.

Q2: When will it be released on Prime Video?

A: It begins streaming on October 10, 2025.

Q3: What makes this documentary unique?

A: It includes never-before-seen home footage, family access, and a new recording by Cynthia Erivo, making it a deeply personal portrait of John Candy.

Q4: What was John Candy’s most famous role?

A: He’s best remembered for Uncle Buck and his unforgettable performance as Del Griffith in Planes, Trains & Automobiles.