Ryan Reynolds arrived at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for the world premiere of John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary he produced on the late Canadian comedy legend. The Hollywood star usually stays away from politics and avoids associating himself with any party. But given the current political scenario where Canada is feeling the pressure of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Ryan, a Canadian star, spoke on what it means to make it in the film industry during a time of cultural wars.
Ryan Reynolds on being a Canadian in today’s Hollywood
While speaking at an informal session at TIFF, Ryan distanced himself from the polarised culture wars, saying, “I’m not MAGA. I’m not extreme about anything.” The Deadpool star pointed out that identity politics often reduces people to “us vs them.” He acknowledged that many want their own belief system mirrored by whoever they follow, and that’s where the problem begins. Ryan said his Canadian upbringing, along with his improv background, taught him to stay collaborative and keep his head straight in a business that can just as easily break you. “It’s important to keep your head screwed on right. And Canada helped me with that. Canada was a third parent. That business is tough. It can destroy you. I have seen the illusion of it and sort of the thin ice,” the actor said.
Ryan’s new documentary, directed by Colin Hanks, revolves around Candy’s life beyond his comedic genius. During the premiere, Ryan teared up watching the trailer and described Candy as a performer who spent his whole life trying to please people but silently battled mental health struggles. He highlighted how Candy never truly spoke about his struggles, and how his inner battles and constant need to entertain eventually led to the health problems that caused his untimely death at 43. While paying tribute, Ryan admitted that he has been a lifelong Candy fan. “When you watch SCTV, some of those sketches look brilliant; they’re actually genius. And some are really terrible. That’s what make it special. You see them experimenting and playing and really kind of enjoying the lack of perfection,” he said.
But Ryan’s TIFF presence was also marred by controversy. A clip of the actor from the red carpet went viral, showing him interacting with a young reporter. When the kid greeted him, Reynolds jokingly said, “Let’s skip to the question.”
Ryan Reynolds Faces Backlash for ‘Rude’ Encounter With Child Reporter #ryanreynolds #johncandy #johncandyilikeme #tiff #riristea #rivetsoro pic.twitter.com/Im487wOkfc
— Rivet Soro (@Rivet_Soro) September 5, 2025
Online, people blasted the actor for being rude and condescending, with critics on X accusing him and his wife, Blake Lively, of looking down on people they consider “beneath them.” One person wrote online, “There is nothing funny about this. Kids do not understand these types of ‘jokes’ where the person is being rude to them. It’s called being mean.” Another said, “Ryan and Blake are so condescending and mean to people they deem ‘beneath them.’”
