Hollywood’s serving up a double feature of nostalgia and reinvention that’s got everyone talking. Let’s dish about what’s cooking in the entertainment world, shall we?
Toronto International Film Festival just dropped a bombshell announcement for its golden anniversary celebration in 2025. They’re kicking off their 50th edition with “John Candy: I Like Me” — and honestly, could there be a more perfect choice? The documentary, steered by Colin Hanks (yes, Tom’s kid) and backed by Canada’s favorite troublemaker Ryan Reynolds, promises to be anything but your typical talking-heads retrospective.
Talk about coming full circle. Candy, who cut his teeth at Toronto’s Second City before conquering Hollywood with classics like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” is finally coming home. TIFF’s Cameron Bailey hit the nail on the head when he mentioned how Candy’s humor shaped an entire generation of comedy fans. There’s something beautifully fitting about Toronto embracing one of its own, nearly three decades after we lost him too soon.
Meanwhile, USA Network’s cooking up something deliciously different with John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker.” Set to hit screens August 15, this small-screen adaptation’s got some serious heavyweight talent in its corner. Rising star Milo Callaghan’s stepping into the role that once belonged to Matt Damon, while Mad Men alum John Slattery brings his silver-fox gravitas to the courtroom as Leo Drummond.
Here’s where things get really interesting — Once Upon a Time’s Lana Parrilla is taking on the role of J. Lyman “Bruiser” Stone, previously played by Mickey Rourke. Now that’s what you call a gender-flip that could add some serious spice to the legal drama stew.
Showrunner Michael Seitzman’s got a point about the story’s enduring appeal. Sure, there’s the whole David-versus-Goliath thing, the dangerous romance angle, even the coming-of-age narrative. But at its heart? It’s all about the characters, darling. Always has been.
What’s fascinating about these two announcements dropping together is how they perfectly capture entertainment’s current mood. We’re simultaneously looking back with love while pushing forward with fresh interpretations. It’s like the industry’s having its cake and eating it too — and who doesn’t love that?
For TIFF, choosing a documentary as their opening night selection might raise some eyebrows, but it’s hardly their first rodeo. They’ve launched with three docs in the past 15 years — though those were all music-focused. This deep dive into Candy’s legacy? That’s something else entirely.
The festival’s running September 4-14, with more programming announcements on the horizon. But let’s be real — they’ve already hit an emotional jackpot with this opener. There’s something particularly touching about Colin Hanks helming this project, considering his father’s history with Candy in “Splash” and “Volunteers.” Talk about keeping it in the family.
In an era where streaming wars and AI debates dominate industry chatter, these announcements feel refreshingly human. Whether it’s celebrating a comedy legend or reimagining a courtroom classic, both projects remind us why we fell in love with entertainment in the first place. And isn’t that something worth raising a glass to?
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