There’s a lot of buzz about the upcoming documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” which premiered Thursday at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Candy was just 43 when he died from a heart attack in 1994 at the peak of his career, shocking the Hollywood community. The Canadian comedian worked with some of the biggest names in the business, and many, including Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Macaulay Culkin, Mel Brooks, and Dan Aykroyd, participated in the documentary.
The project was produced by actor Ryan Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks, the son of actor Tom Hanks. The elder Hanks also appeared with Candy in “Splash” (1984).
Culkin recounted how Candy served as a “paternal” presence on the set of the cult classic comedy “Uncle Buck” and was one of the first people in Hollywood to recognize that Culkin’s father was abusive.
“I think he always had that really great instinct,” Culkin recalled in the documentary’s trailer.
“I think he saw,” he continued. “Listen, even before the wave crested and the ‘Home Alone’ stuff was happening, it was not hard to see how difficult my father was. It was no secret. He was already a monster.”
“All of a sudden, the fame and the money came, and he became an infamous monster,” Culkin recalled. “He was already not a good guy. I think John was looking a little side-eyed, like, ‘Is everything alright over there? You doing good? Good day? Everything’s alright? Everything good at home? All right.’”
The actor said this was “a testament to the kind of man he was,” and said Candy “was just looking out for” him on set. He also mentioned Candy’s “paternal” presence in his life.
“It doesn’t happen that often. It actually happened less as time went on,” Culkin added. “I wish I got more of that in my life. It’s important that I remember that. I remember John caring when not a lot of people did.”
Candy’s other former co-stars and friends had glowing things to say about him as a colleague and as a person during the emotional trailer.
“I can’t tell you what was right about John Candy, or what was wrong. But he was my friend,” Murray said. “And … I don’t wanna cry, but when you see him, when you see his face….” he added, trailing off as he began tearing up.
Candy is famous for beloved films such as “Stripes,” “Splash,” “Spaceballs,” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Uncle Buck,” and “Cool Runnings.”
The documentary is said to include “never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” per the synopsis.
“It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.”
“John Candy: I Like Me” becomes available on Prime Video starting October 10.
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