Paul Reubens Shares Story of ‘Pee-wee as Himself’ – The Making of the Film

Paul Reubens kept a big secret from his documentary filmmaker, Matt Wolf. When news broke of Reubens’ passing on July 31, 2023, Wolf was stunned. For a year, Wolf had been working on convincing Reubens to participate in the creation of the two-part documentary “Pee-wee as Himself,” now available for streaming on HBO Max. Over 40 hours of interviews were conducted, covering Reubens’ childhood, celebrity status, alter ego Pee-wee Herman, and more. What Wolf didn’t know was that Reubens had been battling cancer for the past six years.

As the project seemed to be falling apart due to creative differences, a new purpose emerged for Wolf after Reubens’ death. Reading through the extensive interview transcripts, Wolf realized the importance of telling Reubens’ story, especially now that he understood Reubens had been facing his mortality privately. This turn of events gave a deeper meaning to the documentary project and pushed Wolf to work harder than ever before.

Wolf, known for his documentaries on unique individuals, like cellist Arthur Russell and news archivist Marion Stokes, had to navigate Reubens’ desire for creative control while also telling an authentic story. Despite initial resistance from Reubens, a genuine collaboration formed between the two, creating a portrait that showcased Reubens’ discomfort and complexity.

The resulting documentary presents a deep dive into Pee-wee’s prehistory, exploring Reubens’ childhood, artistic beginnings, and personal struggles. Reubens candidly discusses his sexual identity in the film, revealing his journey from living openly as a gay man to returning to the closet. Wolf aimed to go beyond the typical celebrity biopic, offering a nuanced portrayal of Reubens as an artist.

For Wolf, the project was not only a professional endeavor but a personal one. Growing up watching “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” Wolf had a deep connection to Reubens’ work. However, he approached the documentary not as a fan, but as a filmmaker dedicated to presenting the true essence of an icon like Reubens. Ultimately, “Pee-wee as Himself” is a testament to Reubens’ artistry, complexities, and enduring impact.