The late John Candy left behind a legacy of laughter so enduring that even Hollywood's current master of wit cannot resist paying homage. While audiences know Ryan Reynolds for his fourth-wall-breaking sarcasm in Deadpool, a deeper dive into his work reveals a sincere, almost reverent, tribute to the iconic Canadian comedian who passed far too soon. For Reynolds, this is not just fandom; it is a profound artistic connection that has transformed his most successful franchise into a discreet museum dedicated to Candy's genius. 

Some legacies feel so entwined, you’d swear their owners once shared a dressing room. In the case of Ryan Reynolds and John Candy, the question practically asks itself.

Ryan Reynolds has not worked with John Candy in his acting career. However, Ryan Reynolds produced a documentary about John Candy's life titled John Candy: I Like Me with Colin Hanks. Reynolds' profound admiration for the late comedian Candy is woven into the fabric of his Deadpool trilogy as a recurring tribute. Reynolds confirmed his "lifelong obsession" with John Candy is embedded in the Deadpool trilogy. Speaking at a September 24th event in Philadelphia, he noted that all three films contain tributes, including the book The Canadian Mounted. Reynolds ensures Wade Wilson is seen reading or holding the same book that Candy's character, Del Griffith, reads in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

The documentary itself further highlights Reynolds' homage by pointing out additional tributes to Candy's work. Specifically, the film notes a significant scene in Deadpool 2 where Wade Wilson delivers a version of the popular, I Like Me speech originally performed by Candy in one of his movies. The continued reverence is also seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, which features an I Like Me coffee mug. These details demonstrate how Ryan Reynolds actively uses his major film projects to honor his comedic idol, who passed away suddenly in 1994, ensuring the legendary comedian's influence remains part of the modern cinematic landscape.

31 Years After His Demise, Ryan Reynolds Remembers the Canadian Comedy Legend John Candy in a Heartwarming Tribute

This active use of his franchise to pay tribute highlights Ryan Reynolds' deeply personal commitment to protecting and celebrating John Candy’s legacy.

Ryan Reynolds personally reached out to a journalist after discovering archival footage of the reporter insulting John Candy’s weight while producing the documentary, John Candy: I Like Me. Reynolds, who helped produce the film, chose not to include the shaming clip in the final cut. Reynolds revealed at TIFF that they shared a thoughtful discussion about the matter.

The disturbing nature of the archival footage highlighted a significant theme in the documentary: the insensitive and often disgusting treatment Candy endured from the press regarding his weight. Director Colin Hanks noted that the film contained many examples of interviewers essentially calling Candy "fat" to his face, making it "tough to see how uncomfortable John was in almost every clip." This shows how protective Ryan Reynolds was of his ideal and despite having never read a script with Candy, he shares a bond with the comedian that goes beyond the camera.

Ryan Reynolds Reveals That He Copies SNL Stars and John Candy if He’s “flummoxed in a scene”

Have you noticed the John Candy Easter Eggs in Ryan Reynolds' works? Let us know in the comments below.