Netflix has announced that its upcoming feature film “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” will be directed by Comedy Central alum John Lee, whose credits include “Inside
The film finds Paul Reubens reprising his signature role as Pee-wee Herman, who after a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger, is inspired to take his first-ever holiday in what Netflix describes as “an epic story of friendship and destiny.”
Judd Apatow (“Bridesmaids”) will produce the movie with Reubens, who wrote the script with Paul Rust (“Arrested Development”). Apatow and Reubens developed the project, which is slated to start production in the coming weeks.
“Pee-wee’s Big Holiday” will premiere exclusively on Netflix in all of its territories.
“We didn’t hesitate for a moment knowing that ‘Pee-wee’s Big Holiday’ was such a passion project for Paul and Judd and we are delighted by the opportunity to introduce such a beloved character to a new generation,” said Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos. “We are thrilled to bring our viewers around the world the wonder of Pee-wee Herman.”
“As a fan of Pee-wee Herman since he first appeared on ‘The Dating Game’ I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the brilliant
“Judd and I dreamt up this movie four years ago. The world was much different back then — Netflix was waiting by the mailbox for red envelopes to arrive. I’ve changed all that. The future is here. Get used to it. Bowtie is the new black,” added Pee-wee Herman.
Billing itself as the world’s leading Internet TV network, Netflix has already been gearing up to reintroduce Pee-wee to younger audiences, as it recently made “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “Big Top Pee-wee,” “The Pee-wee Herman Show” and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” available on its streaming service.
Reubens has also spent the last several years preparing for Pee-Wee’s big return, as the character has a rabid fan base that is eager to witness a comeback.
Lee, who also served as a writer, director and executive producer on MTV’s “Wonder Showzen,” is represented by UTA and Generate.