New Documentary Explores Paul Reubens’ Life Behind Pee-wee Herman

Los Angeles, CA – A new two-part HBO documentary titled “Pee-wee as Himself” dives deep into the life of Paul Reubens, the iconic comedian known for creating the character Pee-wee Herman. Directed by Matt Wolf, the documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on April 23, 2025.

The film features interviews with prominent filmmakers and actors such as Tim Burton, Judd Apatow, and the Safdie brothers, who reflect on Reubens’ impact on both comedy and culture. It has been described as the “definitive portrait” of Reubens, offering insights into his personal life that have never been discussed publicly.

Crafted from over 40 hours of interview footage recorded before Reubens’ death, the documentary also includes over 1,000 hours of archival footage and thousands of never-before-seen photographs from Reubens’ collection. The official synopsis states that Reubens explores his diverse influences from circus and avant-garde theater to his professional decisions, particularly regarding the separation of his character from his true self.

Reubens discusses his creative tensions with Wolf and candidly addresses his legal troubles, arrests, and the public’s eventual acceptance of him after controversy. Prominent figures from “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” and his personal life also provide testimonies about his journey.

This documentary chronicles Reubens’ life journey, beginning in Sarasota, Florida, through his groundbreaking work in theater and improvisation, including the creation of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and the Emmy-winning series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” Notably, despite achieving fame, he maintained a strict boundary between his celebrity and personal life.

Executive producers Benny and Josh Safdie, alongside several others, have positioned the film as a celebration of Reubens’ extraordinary legacy in the world of comedy. The documentary premieres on HBO on May 23, 2025, at 8 PM ET/PT and will also be available for streaming on Max.