Ryan Reynolds Shares John Candy Tribute in Deadpool Movies

New York City — Ryan Reynolds revealed details about his homage to John Candy following a screening of the documentary John Candy: I Like Me on October 8. The actor spoke about the significant influence Candy had on his career.

During the event, Reynolds disclosed that he paid $5,000 out of his own pocket to use a prop book titled The Canadian Mounted, which Candy’s character reads in the 1987 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Reynolds said, “I called Paramount and said, ‘Can I use the book that he’s reading in Planes, Trains and Automobiles?” When Paramount quoted him a price, he added humorously, “I went, ‘Alright, back off. You can have $5,000.'”

Reynolds’ character, Deadpool, is shown reading from The Canadian Mounted in the original Deadpool movie and its sequels. He mentioned that each time he wanted to use the book, he had to pay the licensing fee. “Two years later and we’re doing Deadpool 2, and I said, ‘Okay, give me the book,’ and they’re like, ‘Yeah, $5,000,'” Reynolds recalled to laughter from the audience.

The actor noted that his character’s journey in Deadpool and Wolverine is influenced by themes of redemption, reminiscent of Candy’s work. He reflected, “Deadpool and Wolverine is really kind of written in the spirit of redemption. It’s a story about redemption… and it’s Planes, Trains.”

His co-star, Hugh Jackman, joked about the situation, suggesting that Reynolds borrowed money from him to cover the cost of the prop. Reynolds replied, jokingly, “It was for a book that isn’t even a book, it’s just a cover!”

John Candy: I Like Me is currently streaming on Prime Video, highlighting memories of the beloved comedian who died in 1994.