The ’80s blockbuster classic that inadvertently set up Ryan Reynolds for the Deadpool movie

Colin Hanks’ new documentary ‘John Candy: I ​​Like Me’ Details the career and personality of the famous comedian/actor, tracing his rise through the Canadian comedy scene, and his breakthrough success on the comedy series “SCTV” in 1976. John Candy was widely beloved during his very short life (he died at the age of 43), having headlined several major American comedies, and becoming a legitimate movie star. He did all this while remaining kind, frank, and polite.

One of Candy’s frequent collaborators was Canadian comedy star Dan Aykroyd. Candy and Aykroyd first worked together on the 1976 sitcom “Coming Up Rosie,” although mainstream American audiences may best remember their shared credits on “1941” or “The Blues Brothers.” They would go on to act together in films like “The Great Outdoors” and “Nothing But Trouble.” Two comedy legends, often seen alongside each other. Between them, the Candy films were huge hits, but Aykroyd had the bigger ones. Aykroyd co-wrote and starred in 1984’s Ghostbusters, for example, a film that grossed $370 million on its $30 million budget. The candy was beloved, and Aykroyd sparked the zeitgeist. It seems that Canada was the best place to look for comedy stars.

Case in point: Ryan Reynolds, star of “Deadpool” and many other comedies, was born in Vancouver. He – like the rest of the world – has always been a fan of Canadian comedians, and grew up paying very close attention to Aykroyd in particular. At the recent screening of “John Candy: I ​​Like Me” (which /Ethan Anderton’s special film (Attended) Reynolds, one of the film’s producers, admitted that he (like many men his age) rewatched “Ghostbusters” frequently, and loved Aykroyd’s readings and unsettling characterization. Specifically, Reynolds tried to imitate Aykroyd’s quick delivery. Years later, he realized that he was using those imitations in his performances in the “Deadpool” films.

Those who have seen the “Deadpool” movies (and millions have) know that the character is sarcastic, volatile, and often addresses the camera directly. The character possesses rapid healing powers, making him somewhat immortal, a power that reinforced his tendency to be intelligent; Why hold back when you can recover from any bar fight you instigate? Reynolds admitted that the comedic performance of the character was inspired by Aykroyd, specifically Aykroyd’s performance in Ghostbusters. As Reynolds said,

“My dad would smuggle every movie that was made when I was a kid. I would watch Ghostbusters over and over again, and the Aykroyd scenes, because I wanted to see if I could talk as fast as Dan. Literally, it was like rehearsing for Deadpool 25 years before it happened.”

When watching Deadpool, one can definitely hear what Reynolds is talking about. He and Aykroyd actually pace enthusiastically through their dialogue, which Aykroyd does with aplomb (see also his performance in “Dragnet”). Of course, Deadpool and… Aykroyd’s character in “Ghostbusters”, Ray Stantzvery different personalities indeed. Deadpool is a smart, violent person who doesn’t care much beyond his immediate circle of friends. Ray is a scientist obsessed with science and supernatural phenomena who possesses a childlike wonder. Reynolds didn’t model his acting on Ray, just the comedic delivery. Imagine Ray and Bill Murray’s “Ghostbusters” character, Peter Venkman, rolled into one, and you’d be a little closer to Deadpool. Bill Murray isn’t Canadian, but we won’t hold that against him.

Reynolds said he won’t be playing Deadpool again for a while, but one can rest assured that he’ll be bringing Aykroyd to mind in whatever comedy he appears in next. Or maybe John Candy. Or any one of his absolutely ridiculous compatriots/women.