Ryan Reynolds has revealed that his two-year-old son Olin played a pivotal role in securing Bill Murray's participation in the new John Candy documentary, John Candy: I Like Me, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Speaking at the premiere, Reynolds explained that Murray was the hardest to convince, demanding a 'test' about John Candy. After Reynolds failed, he was ghosted. In a desperate late-night video message, his son Olin unexpectedly appeared and said, 'Do the interview, Bill.' Reynolds then challenged Murray to refuse a toddler, which prompted Murray to call back and agree.
The documentary, directed by Colin Hanks, features interviews with collaborators including Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Macaulay Culkin, and Dan Aykroyd. It includes rare archive footage, outtakes, and home videos from the Candy family.
Reynolds, a father of four with wife Blake Lively, reflected on the importance of experimentation, praising Candy's fearless approach to comedy. He noted that perfectionism can be a 'disease' in today's curated society.
John Candy, who died of a heart attack in 1994 at age 43, struggled with obesity and substance abuse. The documentary explores his legacy as one of the most beloved comedians of the 1980s and 1990s.
