Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks appeared on Deadline's Doc Talk podcast to discuss their Emmy-contending documentary 'John Candy: I Like Me.' The film, streaming on Prime Video, explores the life and career of the late comedian John Candy. Reynolds and Hanks shared personal anecdotes and production insights from the project.
Ryan Reynolds, a longtime fan of John Candy from his childhood in Vancouver, first noticed the comedian on the sketch comedy show SCTV. The documentary 'John Candy: I Like Me,' produced by Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks, delves into what made Candy special as both an actor and a person. It premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in Candy's hometown and is now streaming on Prime Video. Reynolds highlighted formative experiences in Candy's life, such as losing his father on the day of his fifth birthday, which he said led Candy to become a people pleaser—a trait that endeared him to audiences but also burdened him later. Colin Hanks shared memories of meeting Candy on the set of the Ron Howard-directed film Splash, which launched Candy's movie career alongside Tom Hanks. Hanks revealed that his father felt nervous about working with Candy on the project. The filmmakers also discussed securing interviews with Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, among others who knew Candy. Reynolds performed an impression of Aykroyd during the podcast conversation. The episode of Deadline’s Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley and Matt Carey, is available on platforms including Spotify, iHeart, and Apple.
