Director Eric Appel got weird last year with his “Weird Al” Yankovic biopic and now may be looking to go on a big adventure, as he has expressed interest in helming a biopic of the late Paul Reubens aka Pee-wee Herman.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Appel said, “You know, I feel like a Paul Reubens — an actual Paul Reubens biopic…I feel like that’s a story that people would really love.” That’s appropriate enough considering Pee-wee Herman actually popped up in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Even more fitting, Appel said he would love to recast Jorma Taccone in the role. Taccone briefly appeared in the pool party sequence alongside the likes of Andy Warhol, Divine and Gallagher.
While a Paul Reubens biopic remains just a dream for now, certainly the actor is deserving of one, although Apple did say that it wouldn’t be as playful — or darkly comedic — as the “Weird Al” biopic parody. From his days in the Groundlings to the creation of Pee-wee Herman (and all of the successes that came with it) to his infamous arrest for indecent exposure, there is plenty to explore in the life and career of Reubens. Although through sad circumstances — Reubens died in July after a private bout with cancer — there is indeed a renewed interest in the actor and his biggest character.
In a statement issued upon his death, Paul Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
As for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, it has earned far more accolades than one could have ever expected, earning nominations and/or wins from the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America and Producers Guild of America, with eight Emmy Awards pending.
Would you like to see a Paul Reubens biopic? Would it work better as a comedy or drama? Give us your take in the comments section below.