The eccentric journey to secure Dan Aykroyd's participation in the John Candy documentary is a tale worth telling. But here's where it gets intriguing: it was Aykroyd who made the first move!
Ryan Reynolds and Colin Hanks embarked on a mission to pay tribute to the late, great John Candy through a documentary titled 'John Candy: I Like Me.' The film, now streaming on Prime Video, features an impressive lineup of contributors, including comedy icons Steve Martin and Bill Murray. However, the real challenge was convincing Dan Aykroyd, a close friend of Candy's, to join the project.
At a Q&A session after the Chicago screening, Reynolds revealed the unexpected twist in his pursuit of Aykroyd. Despite being notoriously difficult to reach, both Aykroyd and Murray ended up in the documentary. But the story of how Aykroyd came on board is truly bizarre. Reynolds had to wait for the elusive legend to reach out to him. As Reynolds recalled, no one knew Aykroyd's whereabouts, but eventually, he received a call from the man himself, who invited him over for dinner and an interview, with a touch of his signature humor.
And this is where it gets even more fascinating. Aykroyd picked Reynolds up at the airport in a Lincoln town car from the classic comedy 'Grosse Point Blank,' one of Reynolds' all-time favorite movies. This unexpected ride left Reynolds in awe, and it's a moment he'll likely never forget.
Aykroyd's presence in the documentary is invaluable. His personal anecdotes and the audio of his heartfelt eulogy at Candy's funeral add depth and emotion to the film. The two shared a long history, starting with their collaboration on Steven Spielberg's 1979 film '1941,' a chaotic comedy masterpiece that was critically overlooked. They later worked together in 'The Blues Brothers' and finally co-starred in 'The Great Outdoors' in 1988, showcasing their undeniable on-screen chemistry. It's a testament to Reynolds' determination that he managed to track down Aykroyd, ensuring his participation in the documentary.
So, was it Reynolds' persistence or Aykroyd's spontaneous decision to reach out? Perhaps it was a bit of both. Regardless, the result is a documentary that captures the essence of John Candy's life and career, made possible by the contributions of those who knew him best. And that, my friends, is the delightfully strange story behind the scenes of 'John Candy: I Like Me.'
But wait, there's a twist! What if Aykroyd's elusive nature was a clever tactic to create buzz around the documentary? Could it be that he was always going to participate but wanted to generate intrigue? Share your thoughts below, and let's discuss this intriguing possibility!
