Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd Among Those Remembering John Candy in New Documentary ‘I Like Me’

Legendary comedian and actor John Candy is the subject of a new documentary that promises to be a moving tribute to the late Canadian star, whose warmth and comedic brilliance made him an enduring icon in film and television.

Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, John Candy: I Like Me premiered this weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival, fittingly kicking off the festival’s 50th anniversary. The film, which debuts on Prime Video on October 10, features appearances from a roster of Candy’s friends and collaborators, including Steve Martin, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Tom Hanks, Conan O’Brien, and Macaulay Culkin, all of whom reflect on Candy’s life, legacy, and impact on comedy.

Among the most touching moments in the trailer are two standout inclusions. Bill Murray opens with a heartfelt reflection on his friendship with Candy, setting the tone for the documentary. Dan Aykroyd appears shortly after, describing his longtime friend as “so gentlemanly, and so Canadian,” and can be heard in the closing, delivering what feels like a heartfelt eulogy for one of Hollywood’s kindest talents.

As a Ghostbusters outlet, we’d be remiss not to highlight John Candy’s near involvement in the franchise. The role of Louis Tully was initially written with him in mind, with early drafts even shaping the character to reflect elements of Candy’s SCTV persona, Johnny LaRue.

Director Ivan Reitman, who had just worked with Candy on Stripes, sent him the script, but Candy struggled to find his approach. “John didn’t get it,” Reitman later recalled. “He kept saying, ‘Hey, maybe I can do him with a German accent?’ And I was hesitant right away. I said, ‘That’s kind of an odd thing. It’s a very American, New York-based movie.’” Ultimately, Candy passed on the role, which was then offered to Rick Moranis.

Even without appearing in the film, Candy still left a small mark on Ghostbusters’ history. While filming Brewster’s Millions, he recorded a cameo for Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” music video, enthusiastically shouting the film’s title on set.

For the TIFF premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, Candy’s family—wife Rosemary and children Chris and Jennifer—attended alongside Colin Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. The film will stream exclusively on Prime Video beginning October 10.