Variety are reporting the news that there is a new Pee Wee film imminent and that it is being developed under the banner of Judd Apatow’s production company. The new film is being written by Pee Wee himself, Paul Reubens, and Paul Rust.
Following Reubens’ arrest in 1991 his career has been suffering but his recent Pee Wee stage appearances have pulled in large audiences and received very favorable reviews. He has also appeared as himself in interviews and was excellent in a dramatic role in Todd Solondz’s recent film, Life During Wartime. You will also be able to hear Reubens soon, providing one of the voices in the forthcoming Smurfs movie.
Apparently Apatow saw Paul Reubens’ Pee Wee stage show, was impressed and is not only keen to develop a Pee Wee feature film project but some sources are suggesting he is also keen to direct. Apatow said the following to Variety:
Let’s face it, the world needs more Pee-wee Herman. I am so excited to be working with Paul Reubens — who is an extraordinary and groundbreaking actor and writer. It’s so great to watch him return with such relevance.
The film will be Pee Wee’s third big screen outing following Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee Wee (1988). The first was directed by the then small time director Tim Burton. I kind of wish that Burton would return to direct this new Pee Wee adventure but at the moment this doesn’t look too likely. This is still great news though for any Pee Wee fan and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Reubens back on the big screen as Pee Wee.
