Paul Reubens was a master of reinvention, captivating audiences with his eccentric yet endearing characters. From the zany antics of Pee-Wee Herman to his versatile roles in film and television, he made an indelible mark on pop culture. Reubens' unique sense of humor and unparalleled creativity allowed him to build a persona that was both absurd and oddly relatable. His work left a lasting impact, and his journey has been as colorful and unexpected as his on-screen alter ego.

Now, the documentary Pee-Wee as Himself invites fans to dive deeper into the man behind the famous bow tie.

The forthcoming HBO Original documentary Pee-wee as Himself offers a richly detailed, deeply personal exploration of Paul Reubens’ life and legacy. Directed by Matt Wolf, the two-part film draws from over 40 hours of candid interviews and an extensive archive of unseen photographs and footage. More than a tribute, the documentary serves as Reubens’ final act of authorship, presenting a self-curated narrative that seeks to separate fact from public misconception and to illuminate the man behind the iconic Pee-wee Herman.

Premiering posthumously, the film captures Paul Reubens’ determination to set the record straight. It chronicles his roots in circus arts and experimental theater, his meteoric rise, and the emotional toll of maintaining an alter ego that eclipsed his own identity. With unflinching introspection and characteristic theatricality, Reubens reclaims his story, transforming this documentary into a memoir told with honesty, complexity, and a rare creative spirit.

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Now, in a final act of narrative control as vivid as his stagecraft, the man steps out from behind the myth.

Part one of Pee-wee as Himself presents Paul Reubens’ early years with affectionate clarity. It traces his transformation from a television-loving child to a CalArts performer and finally to the creation of Pee-wee Herman at The Groundlings. With the success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Reubens becomes a global phenomenon, though at the cost of his own identity, as he finds his personal life swallowed by the fame of his fictional counterpart.

Part two continues this intimate exploration, shifting to the cultural impact of Pee-wee’s Playhouse and the challenges Paul Reubens faced during intense public scrutiny. Despite media attacks and fabricated stories, Reubens reclaims his narrative, revisiting his legacy with grace and wit. Netflix remembered Paul Reubens’ iconic Pee-wee Herman by highlighting his impact upon his passing. Now, in his own words, Reubens bids farewell with laughter, honesty, and a final, heartfelt curtain call.

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