Safdie brothers are considering directing The Pee-wee Herman Story

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Today's secret word is … comeback!

Paul Reubens, the peculiar personality behind the child-like figure Pee-wee Herman, is quite busy these days while laying the groundwork for multiple projects featuring his iconic character that still draws smiles after three decades of playing the Hollywood game. Recently Reubens, now 67-years-old,  met with the fine folks over at The Hollywood Reporter to go over the details of his battleplan, which include a 25-city road show celebrating the 35th anniversary of PEE-WEE'S BIG ADVENTURE, the development of an animated series featuring the puppets from his old TV show's Puppetland, something resembling a Pee-wee-style podcast, and his script for The Pee-wee Herman Story that would find his classic character embarking on his darkest adventure yet.

With regard to The Pee-wee Herman Story, Reubens says that the first draft of the script was completed in the late 1990s, and that he's been re-tooling it ever since. According to the actor, Pee-wee emerges from prison to become an unlikely yodeling star; then moves to Hollywood and becomes a movie star; then he develops a severe pill and alcohol addiction that turns him into a monster. "I've referred to it as the Valley of the Dolls Pee-wee movie," says Reubens. "It's about fame."

According to multiple sources that have an intimate knowledge about the project, Reubens has been attempting to sell his script for The Pee-wee Herman Story at every conceivable opportunity. In hearing about his mission, it's been said that Reubens has agreed to make the movie for $15 million, which is half the budget of his 2016 Netflix film PEE-WEE'S BIG HOLIDAY. While a number of talents have passed on making the film, Reubens' determination to see it on the big or small screen remains intact. In fact, Reubens says that he's approached UNCUT GEMS directing duo, Benny and Josh Safdie, about helming the film, and that they're considering the project. Moreover, Reubens is under the impression that the movie can be made for $3 million, but with de-aging technology costing at least $1.5 million, finance departments like CAA, UTA, and Endeavor Content remain unconvinced that the film could be brought to screen for such a modest sum.

Also included in the report was that a super fan in the U.K. has offered to put up $10 million of his own money to help produce the project, though Reubens failed to comment on whether or not this is actually true. Be that as it may, Reubens remains confident in his mission to bring Pee-wee back to the hearts and minds of those who still delight in the character's off-color antics. “It’s going to probably happen,” says Reubens with regard to creating a film based on his twisted and intriguing script. "A couple of people are interested" in the project.

Where do you stand on the idea of Pee-wee Herman making a comeback? Do you think a dark and surreal Pee-wee film would be of interest to fans of the character? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.