Pee-wee as Himself
Directed & Executive Produced by Matt Wolf
2025, 2 Episodes - 195 minutes
Coming Soon: HBO & Max this Spring
Pee-wee as Himself is the definitive story of the artist and performer Paul Reubens and his indelible alter ego Pee-wee Herman. Rubens’ first film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and his children’s television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse were cultural touchstones of the 1980s. However, when Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure, the strict separation he created between himself and his alter ego backfired.
Prior to his recent death, Reubens spoke in-depth about the kaleidoscopic influences that inspired his groundbreaking work, and the personal tribulations he faced to persevere as an artist. As somebody who lost control of his personal narrative in the media, Reubens found himself at odds with the documentary process. But at the end of his life, he took a leap of faith, and decided that the film should be finished. Premiered opening night at Sundance 2025
HBO Documentary Films Presents
An Elara & First Love Films Production
Produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Edited by Damian Rodriguez
Cinematographer David Paul Jacobson
Score by Jon Brion & Michael Penn
Executive Producers: Matt Wolf, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Ronnie Bronstein, Eli Bush, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez, Candace Tomarken, Kyle Martin
Press & Reviews
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“Wolf’s two-parter is a rigorous study of a 20th century icon, made possible by the startling openness Reubens brings to his interviews… As much as this is the definitive Pee-wee Herman documentary project, it’s also one of the great celebrity documentaries we’ve gotten.” - USA Today (Top film of Sundance)
“In the end, Pee-wee as Himself is not a simple love letter to the iconic character or Reubens. That would suggest Wolf goes easy on either, fawning over them without reservation. This is something greater… Thought-provoking, boldly funny, and emotionally riveting, Pee-wee as Himself is his gift to us as grown-ups.” - Mashable
“This documentary ends up being both a definitive look at Pee-wee Herman and a reintroduction to Reubens as a subversive comedic genius.” - Rolling Stone
“Pee-wee Herman takes the celebrity doc to the next level… in Matt Wolf’s extraordinary Pee-wee as Himself, the performer who for years hid his personal life behind the mask of his most beloved character reveals more about himself, and his work, than ever before.” - Los Angeles Times
So good it’s practically painful to watch, even as it’s a frequently joyous celebration of his life.” - Vanyaland
Pee-wee as Himself is essential viewing… Like Reubens himself, the documentary is thornier and more interesting than that. And like Reubens it’s an incredible collision of punk rock imagery and childlike wonder. It’s a documentary you can’t help but get lost in.” - The Wrap
“It’s the brittle, unsettled dynamic of the interview footage itself that makes Pee-wee as Himself unusual and engrossing… Wolf’s two-part film does justice to its subject’s thoroughly sui generis artistry.” - Variety
"Thoughtful, funny and introspective… A must-watch for the multiple generations raised on and warped by all things Pee-wee.”” - The Hollywood Reporter (Top film of Sundance)