Ryan Reynolds is set to honor one of Canada’s most beloved comedy legends in a new documentary titled John Candy: I Like Me, premiering this Friday on Prime Video. The actor, known for his witty charm in Deadpool and Free Guy, spoke about the project during his appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, describing it as a “labor of love” that celebrates the warmth, humor, and humanity of John Candy.
Reynolds shared that his earliest exposure to Candy came through SCTV, the sketch show that first introduced the world to Candy’s comedic brilliance. “It wasn’t perfect, but that was the beauty of it,” Reynolds said, reflecting on how the show’s raw, unpolished energy set it apart from today’s overly curated entertainment.
The film revisits Candy’s most memorable roles, including Planes, Trains and Automobiles, where his portrayal of the lovable Del Griffith remains one of his most heartfelt performances. “If that came out today, he’d be nominated for an Oscar,” Reynolds remarked, noting how Candy’s blend of humor and emotional honesty still resonates decades later.
The documentary also features reflections from Candy’s longtime friends and collaborators, including Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. In one amusing moment, Reynolds recalled Murray jokingly quizzing him on the origins of the “spit take,” prompting a friendly debate between Danny Thomas and Desi Arnaz. Murray, however, turned serious when speaking about Candy, saying, “He was unimpeachable. He never did anything wrong,” echoing the deep respect many of his peers still hold.
Reynolds revealed that Candy’s influence has subtly shaped his own work over the years. Fans may spot nods to Candy throughout the Deadpool films — from a burned-out Chrysler LeBaron inspired by Planes, Trains and Automobiles to the sight of Wade Wilson reading The Canadian Mounted, the same book Candy’s character holds in the 1987 classic.
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Beyond the documentary, Reynolds also touched on receiving the Order of Canada earlier this year, joking about the heat during the ceremony in Ottawa and swapping his drenched shirt for a dancer’s. He closed by sharing updates on Welcome to Wrexham, now in its fifth season, and expressed his pride in how the series — and the team’s success — has revived a sense of hope and identity in the Welsh town.
Ryan Reynolds has shared a little-known fact about his children. He opened up about the birth of his children and joked that if his son had been born first, he wouldn’t have had so many children.
On Thursday’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the actor joked that if his son had been born earlier, he “never” would have had four children.
Reynolds confirmed that welcoming the little one in 2023 after daughters James, 10, Inez, 9, and Betty, 6, was a “jarring” experience.
