TORONTO — TIFF is thrilled to announce the World Premiere of John Candy: I Like Me as the Opening Night Gala taking place on Thursday, September 4, at Roy Thomson Hall. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, this documentary is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Canadian icon, with stories and memories from Candy’s family, closest friends, and longtime collaborators. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.
“Comedy fans all over the world grew up on John Candy’s humour,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “We love that John’s global career started in Toronto, and we can’t wait to share John Candy: I Like Me with everyone at this year’s Opening Night Gala premiere. Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart. For us, it’s the perfect way to kick off TIFF’s 50th edition.”
“When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person. People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was. He went through the same struggles we all do, except now we talk about them. We are incredibly honoured to have gotten to know the man better through this process and to bring the real John Candy to audiences starting with his hometown of Toronto.” — Director/Producer Colin Hanks and Producer Ryan Reynolds
From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring 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. 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. The Amazon MGM title will debut globally on Prime Video in the fall.
Film Details:
John Candy: I Like Me | Colin Hanks | USA
World Premiere | Gala
Limited tickets to the Opening Night Gala of John Candy: I Like Me will be available as part of TIFF 50 Curated Ticket Packages, on sale exclusively to TIFF Members on June 11 and Visa cardholders on June 18. Visit tiff.net/about-the-festival for more details.
TIFF’s Film Reference Library includes a free John Candy Collection, donated by Rose Candy, containing objects related to Candy’s professional career and personal life from the 1970s to the early 1990s.
The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. More Festival details will be shared in the coming weeks. A reminder that Media Accreditation is now open and will close on July 7.
For a complete list of the past 49 TIFF Opening Night films click here.
