Ryan Reynolds at TIFF: The Phone Call Behind His John Candy Doc

A Tribute in Toronto
At the Toronto International Film Festival, Ryan Reynolds premiered a heartfelt documentary about comedy legend John Candy. The film blends archival gems and first-person reflections to map Candy’s career highs and private struggles, with contributions from collaborators and family members.
Calling a Critic
Reynolds revealed he personally phoned a journalist whose hurtful comments about Candy—especially about weight—appeared in archival footage. The exchange didn’t make the final cut, but Reynolds said the call was an attempt to bring empathy and context to a complicated media narrative.
For Canadian audiences, the premiere was a homecoming; for global viewers, it’s a reminder of Candy’s warmth and generosity on set. The project also opens a wider conversation about how we talk about body image, celebrity, and the pressures of show business—topics that echo across fan communities in South Asia too.
With festival buzz strong, distributors are weighing wider releases and streaming windows. Expect follow-up features with Candy’s collaborators and fresh attention on behind-the-scenes stories that didn’t make the film.