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Reynolds Reveals Secret Weapon in Securing Elusive Bill Murray for Candy Documentary
Bill Murray, notoriously difficult to reach, finally met his match: a toddler wielding a “Jingle Bells” shirt. Ryan Reynolds, at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of his documentary “John Candy: I Like Me,” shared the hilarious lengths he went to in order to secure Murray’s participation.
Murray, who costarred with Candy in the 1981 film “Stripes,” initially gave a noncommittal response to Reynolds’ request. The “Deadpool” star, facing a self-imposed (and slightly exaggerated) deadline, decided to take a desperate gamble. His then-toddler son, Olin, made a surprise appearance, clad in a festive “Jingle Bells” shirt, and delivered a stern command to Murray: “Do the interview Bill!”
Reynolds jokingly questioned what kind of “monster” could refuse such a request, and the tactic worked. Murray, clearly moved by the plea, agreed to participate. In the documentary’s trailer, a visibly emotional Murray speaks fondly of his late friend.
The film, directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Reynolds, also features interviews with Tom Hanks, who shared the screen with Candy in “Splash” and “Volunteers.” “John Candy: I Like Me” premieres October 10 on Prime Video.