Judd Apatow jumps aboard as producer on new Pee-wee Herman film

Here in Los Angeles, back in January and February of this year, actor/comedian Paul Reubens’ alter ego Pee-wee Herman performed to packed houses as his
“Pee-wee Herman Show” revival caught the attention of both long-time fans and critics of the iconic and lovable “loner” and “rebel”. The run was so successful that Reubens will next be taking it to Broadway for a 10-week stint at the Stephen Sondheim Theater this October.

And then… how about the silver screen?

According to Variety, after catching Reubens in his aforementioned live show, comedy god Judd Apatow was evidently impressed enough to start development on an untitled Pee-wee Herman feature for Universal. Apatow will serve as producer on the film while Reubens and actor/writer Paul Rust (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, “Human Giant”) will tackle the story which Variety describes as “a road pic built around ‘a gigantic adventure.'”

“Let’s face it, the world needs more Pee-­wee Herman,” Apatow tells Variety. “I am so excited to be working with Paul Reubens ­­ who is an extraordinary and ground­breaking actor and writer. It’s so great to watch him return with such relevance.”

Reubens adds, “There is no one like Judd in our business — he loves comedy with emotion and heart, and he sees what we do as art. I can’t believe I’m getting this opportunity to be working with him.”

The next obvious question then becomes, “Who will direct?” Could it be someone from Apatow’s stable? Or maybe even Tim Burton, returning to the character he first cut his cinematic teeth with? As a fan of Herman (and especially PEE-WEE’S BIG ADVENTURE), I’m excited to see where this one goes. It’s already on the right track.