With I Like Me
is creating more than a documentary—it is a love letter to John Candy, the iconic Canadian comedian gone too soon at 43. Partnering with Colin Hanks and Maximum Effort, Reynolds has assembled unseen clips and warm anecdotes from Candy’s inner circle.
On The Late Show
, he opened up about how personal this journey has been. Now, anticipation builds for the film’s upcoming milestone, a special event that will bring this touching tribute to a wider audience.
The tribute is set to debut on a grand stage known for launching unforgettable films each fall. This milestone promises to bring the comedy legend’s story to a global audience with the fanfare and emotion it truly deserves
—something big is just around the corner.
Ryan Reynolds just dropped a sweet surprise for John Candy fans everywhere
Ryan Reynolds just made TIFF’s 50th anniversary a lot sweeter! In a nostalgic Instagram post, he revealed that I Like Me
, the John Candy documentary he produced, will open the Toronto International Film Festival this September
. Reynolds teased fans with “John Candy easter eggs”
in his films—now he is going full tribute. The post had fans emotional, and for rightly so- this documentary was not so much just a film, but a full-circle moment for a Canadian legend.
Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the documentary explores John Candy’s life—his struggles, joys, and big heart. Including rare footage, touching anecdotes, and famous friends, it premieres at TIFF50’s Opening Night Gala on September 4 and reportedly releases globally on Prime Video this fall.
The film offers laughs, tears, and a heartfelt tribute to the beloved comedian. While Reynolds shines a spotlight on a comedy legend, another of his films is preparing for a decidedly different type of spotlight.
Stuffed with A-listers such as Jason Momoa and Aubrey Plaza, this animated/live-action hybrid had been slated to premiere in October—until a last-minute switch caused all the hubbub about when exactly audiences will ever get to see it.
Ryan Reynolds’ Animal Friends takes a detour
Amid ongoing distractions and unexpected hurdles in Ryan Reynolds’ personal life
, Reynolds’ follow-up offbeat venture, Animal Friends
will not be hitting theaters this year after all. Warner Bros has reportedly officially pushed its release to May 1, 2026, moving it out of its original October 2025 window
. While the studio has not shared the reason, fans are guessing it is to make the film bigger, better, and weirder—particularly with animation and live-action getting combined in a nutty comedy destined to shine on the big screen.
the release date for “animal friends” starring aubrey plaza, ryan reynolds, jason momoa, and addison rae has been moved from october 10th, 2025 to may 1st, 2026 pic.twitter.com/S5bdwilBfS
— aubrey plaza updates (@plazadeaubreyy) June 4, 2025
The film is directed by Peter Atencio and stars a stacked lineup- Jason Momoa, Aubrey Plaza, Vince Vaughn, and Addison Rae
. Produced by Legendary Entertainment, Prime Focus Studios, and Reynolds’ own Maximum Effort, the movie has got some good high-energy moments, smooth VFX courtesy of DNEG, and some of that good old Reynolds humor. With buzz around Legendary’s hits like Brothers
and Minecraft
, Animal Friends
is looking like a major 2026 crowd-puller—if fans can survive the wait.
Read More: Counting Ryan Reynolds on Netflix: 5 Must-Watch Movies and the Highest-Rated Gem
What do you think about Ryan Reynolds’ I Like Me
opening at TIFF 50? Let us know in the comments.