The bowtie, the laugh, the red bike—Pee-wee Herman was more than just a quirky character; he was a cultural icon. Now, HBO is set to take fans behind the curtain with a brand-new, two-part documentary titled Pee-wee as Himself, spotlighting the life and legacy of the man who brought him to life: Paul Reubens.
The documentary, which was completed with Reubens’ collaboration before his passing in 2023, premieres May 23 on HBO and streaming service Max. Directed by Matt Wolf, the film promises to give fans a deeply personal look into Reubens’ creative genius and the man behind one of comedy’s most enduring characters.
Man Behind Pee-wee Herman
In an official press release, HBO described the film as being “driven by a soul-baring interview with Paul Reubens,” adding that it offers a definitive portrait of the comedic performer, blending his public persona with his private struggles and triumphs.
The documentary doesn’t just rehash old skits or rerun classic clips—it explores Reubens’ personal life, never-before-discussed stories, and the emotional depths behind the man who made generations laugh with Pee-wee’s wild, childlike energy.
“Pee-wee as Himself” includes a wealth of personal insight from Reubens’ own reflections, making it both a tribute and a self-told story—a rare gift for fans and friends alike.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Friends and Fans
To help tell the full story of Reubens’ impact, the documentary features interviews with his sister, Abby Rubenfeld, and a wide range of friends, colleagues, and admirers, including:
- Natasha Lyonne
- S. Epatha Merkerson
- Laurence Fishburne
- Tim Burton
- Judd Apatow
- Debi Mazar
- David Arquette
- Lynne Stewart
- Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira)
- Laraine Newman, and more
From fellow comedians to Hollywood directors, the lineup reflects just how far-reaching Reubens’ influence was—not only in comedy but in pop culture at large. These voices help paint a fuller picture of the man who created a character beloved by kids and adults alike.
