On October 21, 2025, Prime Video released a documentary that’s already tugging at the heartstrings of comedy fans everywhere: John Candy: I Like Me. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film is a loving tribute to the late Canadian funnyman whose larger-than-life presence left an indelible mark on Hollywood. The documentary doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into Candy’s life and career, weaving together never-before-seen archival footage, rare photographs, and candid interviews with the people who knew him best.
According to Prime Video, the film features a veritable who’s who of comedy and film legends—Dan Aykroyd, Macaulay Culkin, Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, and Martin Short, among others—all sharing stories and memories that paint a vivid portrait of Candy’s warmth, humor, and humanity. For fans of classics like Stripes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Little Shop of Horrors, the documentary is a nostalgic journey through some of the most beloved moments in film comedy history.
But the celebration of John Candy’s legacy didn’t stop at the streaming release. Ryan Reynolds, who has been front and center in promoting the documentary, has taken a hands-on approach—literally bringing the story to audiences across Connecticut and beyond. On October 20, Reynolds surprised students at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, attending a dress rehearsal of the school’s ambitious production of Les Misérables by the Staples Players, the school’s student-run theater troupe. As reported by the Staples Players Facebook page, Reynolds not only took photos with the cast and crew but also shared personal insights about his own life and career.
“‘Les Mis,’ as you may or may not know, is amazing, and it will be performed by these folks. I didn’t graduate high school,” Reynolds told the students in a video posted by the group. The students, clearly thrilled, cheered as Reynolds encouraged the public to check out the upcoming show. Tickets for the November performances are on sale for $22.88, and the buzz from Reynolds’ visit has only heightened anticipation.
The visit was made possible thanks to the Fipp family, with Lindsay Fipp, president of the Staples Players Boosters, coordinating the event. The non-profit supports the theater program, and Reynolds’ appearance was a memorable boost for the young performers. For Reynolds, whose own acting journey has included blockbuster roles in the Deadpool franchise, Buried, and Spirited, it was a chance to give back and inspire the next generation of actors.
This wasn’t Reynolds’ first stop in the Nutmeg State recently. In September, he and late-night legend David Letterman visited the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield as part of the John Candy: I Like Me screening tour. And back in February, Reynolds and director/producer Shawn Levy dropped by Yale Schwarzman Center’s Woolsey Hall in New Haven. Clearly, Reynolds has been on the move, not just promoting the documentary but also engaging with fans, students, and local communities.
While the documentary and Reynolds’ outreach have been met with widespread praise, not all recent headlines involving Reynolds have been glowing. In an October interview with GQ, actor Mark Ruffalo revealed a rather unusual source of inspiration for a scene in their 2022 film The Adam Project. Ruffalo admitted, “It was written that way, and we did a rehearsal. And I had a dream that that’s what the punch should look like, and I just did what I did in my dream. And we did it, and they were all laughing, and [the director’s] like, ‘Well, let’s do it again, but I think we have it.’” He added, “But that was one of those moments where it was just like the spontaneity. And, you know, it was right there.”
Ruffalo’s dream-inspired punch wasn’t the only recent moment of drama surrounding Reynolds. According to Radar Online, a lip reading expert reported a tense exchange between Reynolds and fellow Canadian comedy icon Eugene Levy at the premiere of John Candy: I Like Me. The expert claimed Reynolds said, “Bullsh*t, man,” to which Levy responded, “Language, you don’t need to speak so harsh.” Reynolds allegedly replied, “Please don’t ever tell me how I can talk to people.” The incident, while brief, has fueled chatter about Reynolds’ sometimes unpredictable public persona.
Adding to the recent swirl of Reynolds-related headlines, there have been reports of controversial comments made by the actor about his son and a supposed rude interaction with a child reporter on the red carpet. While these incidents have sparked debate on social media and in entertainment circles, they have done little to dampen the enthusiasm for the John Candy: I Like Me documentary or Reynolds’ ongoing engagement with fans and communities.
For those who grew up watching John Candy on the big screen, the documentary is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a chance to rediscover the man behind the laughter. The inclusion of never-before-seen archival footage and intimate interviews gives viewers a fresh perspective on Candy’s life, from his early days in Canada to his rise as an international star. The film’s emotional resonance is amplified by the testimonials of Candy’s friends and collaborators, many of whom share touching, funny, and sometimes bittersweet stories about working with him.
As Prime Video notes, the documentary is a must-watch for anyone who has ever laughed at Candy’s antics or found comfort in his gentle, everyman charm. The film’s release has also sparked renewed interest in Candy’s filmography, with fans revisiting classics and sharing their favorite moments online. For a new generation, John Candy: I Like Me serves as both an introduction and a celebration—a reminder that, even decades after his passing, Candy’s legacy endures.
The documentary’s impact is being felt far beyond the screen. Reynolds’ efforts to connect with students, support local arts, and honor Candy’s memory reflect a broader trend in Hollywood: stars using their platforms to give back and inspire. Whether it’s through a heartfelt documentary or an impromptu visit to a high school theater, these gestures have a ripple effect, encouraging young people to dream big and embrace their own creative journeys.
As the curtain rises on the Staples Players’ Les Misérables and audiences continue to flock to John Candy: I Like Me, one thing is clear: the power of storytelling—on stage, on screen, and in real life—remains as vital as ever.
