Netflix has announced it will premiere exclusively in all of its territories the new feature film, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, starring Paul Reubens as the beloved fun-loving hero of TV, stage and film, Pee-wee Herman.
Judd Apatow (Anchorman, Bridesmaids) and Reubens, who worked together to bring the project to fruition, will produce the film. Reubens and Paul Rust (“Comedy Bang! Bang!,” “Arrested Development”) wrote the film. John Lee (“Broad City,” “Inside Amy Schumer”) makes his feature film directorial debut with production beginning three-weeks from now in March.
In Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny.
“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,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “We are thrilled to bring our viewers around the world the wonder of Pee-wee Herman.”
“As a fan of Pee-wee Herman since he first appeared on The Dating Game, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the brilliant Paul Reubens on this film. It is a dream come true,” said Judd Apatow.
“Judd and I dreamt up this movie four years ago. 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,” said Pee-wee Herman.
The character of Pee-wee previously starred in Tim Burton’s 1985 smash Pee-wee’s Big Adventure followed by Big Top Pee-wee in 1988, as well as five seasons of the innovative children’s show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” from 1986 to 1990. The character made a comeback with the “The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway” in 2011.