Director Colin Hanks has released a new documentary titled “John Candy: I Like Me” exploring the legacy of the late comedic actor [1].

The film examines the influence Candy had on the industry and how his specific style of humor continues to shape modern performances. By blending public success with personal history, the project aims to provide a complete portrait of an actor who died more than 30 years ago [1].

Hanks said the project sought to show both the private trauma and the genius of the comedy legend [2]. He said there is a little bit of John in every performance [1].

Producer Ryan Reynolds also contributed to the project. Reynolds said Candy connected people through laughter [3]. The production involved input from Candy's children, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, and Chris Candy [1].

The documentary first appeared as the Opening Night Gala film at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025 [4]. Following its premiere in Toronto, the film became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video [1].

While some reports refer to the title as “John Candy: I Like Myself” [3], the primary production credits list the title as “John Candy: I Like Me” [1]. The film serves as a retrospective on a career defined by warmth and comedic timing, elements that Hanks said remain foundational to the craft of acting today [1].

““There’s a little bit of John in every performance.””

The release of this documentary highlights the enduring influence of 20th-century comedic archetypes on current performers. By pairing the film's premiere at a major festival like TIFF with a wide streaming release on Prime Video, the production seeks to bridge the gap between Candy's historical impact and a new generation of viewers.