SerpApi.Org
Ryan Reynolds will be the first person to tell you just how deeply John Candy means to his body of work.
To that end, the famed Marvel actor has included references to the late Canadian comedian in many of his most prominent movies, including all three Deadpool films.
“I’ve always found something weirdly familiar with him, and he shows up in all of my work,” Reynolds said back in 2025 while speaking about the new documentary he helped produce, John Candy: I Like Me (via People).
In a separate interview with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Reynolds explained further about his references to Candy in each of his movies, as well as the profound impact the comedian had on his approach to comedic subject material.
“Growing up, I had a real obsession, quite genuine, with John Candy,” Reynolds said. “And I still do.”
Illustrating that point to a T, Reynolds showed the character of Deadpool reading the same book that Candy's character reads in Planes, Trains and Automoblies.
“There’s a book (Candy) is reading in Planes, Trains and Automobiles called The Canadian Mounted,” Reynolds explained. “And it’s supposed to be this nonfiction, sort of soft porn, basically. Sort of trash. Sub-Danielle Steele. Like, we’re talking nasty.”
“I’m carrying it under my arm in a number of scenes,” the actor continued. “I don’t think it’s ever actually seen on camera.” Interestingly, the book did appear on screen in both Deadpool 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Likewise, Deadpool 2 features a brief scene where Wade Wilson quotes Candy's famous "I like me" scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles, while Deadpool 3 features a mug with the same phrase.
“It’s just one of those little things,” Reynolds said to Letterman. “You try to never forget those people who have helped grow you where you are.”
