Imagine losing a comedy legend way too soon, and now his own children are bringing his spirit back to life in the most touching way possible – you won't believe who they're partnering with to make it happen.
John Candy's children are carrying forward their father's hilarious legacy, and they've got some powerhouse allies by their side.
Over three decades since the world said goodbye to the iconic funnyman, Chris Candy and Jennifer Candy-Sullivan have joined forces with Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks to create 'John Candy: I Like Me,' a moving documentary that celebrates the comedian's enduring impact. This film, which you can catch in a heartfelt review from its Toronto International Film Festival debut (https://nypost.com/2025/09/05/entertainment/john-candy-i-like-me-tiff-review-heartfelt-doc-looks-at-comedy-superstar-lost-too-soon/), traces Candy's journey from a breakout star on the sketch comedy show SCTV – think of it as the Canadian version of Saturday Night Live, full of wild characters and improv magic – to a household name in blockbuster movies like 'Uncle Buck' and 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles.' But it goes deeper, peeling back the layers to reveal the warm, real person behind all those unforgettable laughs.
For Chris and Jennifer, who stepped up as co-executive producers, this isn't merely a career retrospective; it's a long-overdue opportunity to introduce fans to the private side of their dad that stayed hidden from the spotlight. And here's where it gets controversial: while we all cherish Candy's on-screen joy, does shining a light on his personal struggles humanize him too much, or is it exactly what keeps his memory alive in a more authentic way? What do you think?
'It's been amazing,' Chris, now 41, shared with The Post in a casual chat. 'Ryan's a huge admirer of our dad's work, and he has this sharp eye for the kind of collaborators who can bring a project to the next level. He was instrumental in pulling Colin into the mix, which really set the tone for everything.'
What started as a simple online buzz snowballed into this full-blown tribute. 'About a year before we kicked things off, Ryan stumbled upon this social media clip that compiled clips from all of Dad's films, and it exploded in popularity,' explained Chris, who was only 9 years old when his father tragically died from a heart attack in March 1994 – a loss that hit families everywhere like a punch to the gut, reminding us how fragile even the biggest stars can be.
'And that's truly the spark that ignited it all,' he added. 'Colin, with his incredible talent for storytelling in documentaries – you've seen his work on things like 'Tower' or 'All the Way' – was the ideal choice to helm this.'
Jennifer, 45, chimed in about how Hanks added that perfect blend of sensitivity and skill to a passion project years in the works. 'He jumped right in and sprinkled his expertise everywhere,' she told The Post. 'From the moment we learned Colin was excited to join us on this emotional ride, we felt confident it was in the best possible hands. Collaborating with him and Ryan was truly an honor.'
During a lively Q&A linked to the documentary's October 10 rollout on Prime Video (https://nypost.com/2025/10/10/entertainment/how-to-watch-new-john-candy-i-like-me-documentary-for-free/), Reynolds and Hanks got candid about their motivations for crafting this emotional piece.
'There are countless factors, but the biggest one for me is how John's style and outlook shaped so much of what I do today (https://nypost.com/2025/09/13/entertainment/ryan-reynolds-reveals-he-called-the-journalist-who-said-mean-things-about-john-candy/)," Reynolds, 48, reflected. 'I'd call myself a total devotee. I still remember the gut-wrenching feeling when he left us in '94 – it was my first real brush with losing someone who felt invincible, like a character straight out of one of his movies.'
Hanks, 47, the 'Fargo' standout and son of 'Splash' icon Tom Hanks, explained that he and Reynolds aimed to craft something intimate, focusing on Candy's life away from the cameras. 'We wanted to stir up those emotions and build a portrait that's deeply tied to his everyday world,' he said. 'It's mind-blowing that he was only 43 when he passed – at an age when many are just hitting their stride. Yet, even now, decades on, folks light up at the thought of popping in a John Candy flick.'
And this is the part most people miss: those warm vibes aren't locked in the past. 'I really want viewers to feel that magic again today,' Hanks continued. 'His movies hold that same charm and immediacy, no matter how much time has gone by.'
Naturally, the documentary boasts a star-studded lineup of Candy's friends and fans, blending old-school comedy greats like Bill Murray, Martin Short, Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, and Eugene Levy – all SCTV alums who shared stages and screens with him – with fresh voices such as 'Uncle Buck' child star Macaulay Culkin (https://nypost.com/2025/09/05/entertainment/macaulay-culkin-says-john-candy-noticed-his-dads-monster-behavior/), plus Reynolds and Hanks themselves. For beginners dipping into Candy's world, picture these as the all-stars reminiscing about the guy who could turn any scene into pure gold with his infectious energy.
Having premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month (https://nypost.com/2025/09/05/entertainment/john-candy-i-like-me-tiff-review-heartfelt-doc-looks-at-comedy-superstar-lost-too-soon/), 'I Like Me' highlights how these bonds have endured, showing how Candy's circle remains connected to his family even after more than 30 years.
'They're constantly part of our world,' Chris noted. 'Macaulay's a more recent connection – Jen even guested on his podcast not long ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NyFYDzU_BU). But running into Martin or Eugene feels natural; they're woven into the fabric of our lives.'
'It's not like we're chatting daily,' Jennifer, who was 14 at the time of her dad's passing, elaborated, 'but when our paths cross after years, it's seamless. We pick up right where we left off, staying incredibly tight with most of them despite the distance.'
'They've all been a huge support system for us collectively,' Chris wrapped up. 'We're still intertwined in this wonderful network, so those reunions? They're pure magic every time.'
But let's stir the pot a bit: in an era where celebrity friendships often feel fleeting and performative, is it inspiring or just a tad idealized that these ties have lasted so long? Does it make you wonder if Hollywood's heart is warmer than we give it credit for, or is this a rare exception? Drop your thoughts in the comments – agree, disagree, or share your own favorite John Candy memory!
'John Candy: I Like Me' is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
