In the wake of its Toronto International Film Festival premiere last month, Colin Hanks' new documentary on the late comedian John Candy continues to stir conversations, particularly through intimate revelations in a recent People magazine feature. The film, titled "John Candy: I Like Me", dives into the life of the beloved actor who died tragically young at 43 from a heart attack in 1994. Directed by Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, it promises a heartfelt look at Candy's career, from his Second City roots to iconic roles in films like Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
But it's the personal angles that are grabbing headlines now. Chris Candy, John's son, opened up exclusively to People about how his father might have squirmed at the spotlight. "He would have been uncomfortable with it," Chris admitted during a Los Angeles screening on October 2, highlighting the comedian's private nature amid his larger-than-life on-screen persona. Indeed, the documentary pulls from rare archives, outtakes, and family videos, painting a portrait that's equal parts celebratory and probing. Reynolds, who has spoken about spotting Candy's hidden struggles with anxiety—traits he recognizes in himself—adds another layer, suggesting the film goes beyond mere nostalgia.
Moreover, the project's star power shines through its interviewees: Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Martin Short all weigh in, offering anecdotes that underscore Candy's warmth and talent. Yet, as Hanks himself noted in an earlier People interview, crafting this tribute was tricky; few had "dirt" on the universally adored funnyman. The doc hit TIFF on September 4 as the opening film, and it's set for Amazon Prime Video on October 10. Screenings, like the recent one in L.A. attended by Blake Lively's family supporting Reynolds, keep the momentum alive.
However, Chris's comments introduce a subtle tension, reminding viewers that even icons like Candy had their vulnerabilities. And while the film aims to honor his legacy, it inevitably invites questions about how we memorialize the past.