Netflix partners with Judd Apatow to produce new Pee-wee Herman movie

25 Feb 2015

Actor Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman. Photo via peewee.com

Pee-wee Herman is returning to our screens after Netflix announced it has given the green light to a new movie featuring the bumbling man-child.

Acclaimed comedy filmmaker Judd Apatow will serve as producer on Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which, naturally, will star Paul Reubens as the title character. As is the case with all Netflix-produced content, the movie will premiere exclusively via the media streaming service.

Reubens created Herman in the early Eighties as part of a comedy improv show. Such was the character’s popularity that by 1985 he’d make his big-screen debut in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which is also notable for being Tim Burton’s directorial debut.

More movies and a TV show followed, and Reubens has frequently made public appearances in character, including interviews, over the years.

“Judd and I dreamt up this movie four years ago,” said Reubens, as Pee-wee, in a statement.

“The world was much different back then – Netflix was waiting by the mailbox for red envelopes to arrive. I’ve changed all that. The future is here. Get used to it. Bowtie is the new black.”

Filmmaker Judd Apatow and Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman

Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer, added: “We didn’t hesitate for a moment knowing that Pee-wee’s Big Holiday was such a passion project for Paul and Judd and we are delighted by the opportunity to introduce such a beloved character to a new generation.

“We are thrilled to bring our viewers around the world the wonder of Pee-wee Herman.”

Paul Rust penned the script and the film will be helmed by first-time director John Lee. According to Pee-wee’s blog, filming starts in three weeks.

Something for Netflix subscribers to look forward to then, after they’ve gorged on the third season of House of Cards, which is to be released this Friday (27 February).

Dean Van Nguyen was a contributor to Silicon Republic

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