Pee-wee as Himself is the definitive story of the artist and performer Paul Reubens and his indelible alter ego Pee-wee Herman. Rubens’ first film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and his children’s television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse were cultural touchstones of the 1980s. However, when Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure, the strict separation he created between himself and his alter ego backfired.

Prior to his recent death, Reubens spoke in-depth about the kaleidoscopic influences that inspired his groundbreaking work, and the personal tribulations he faced to persevere as an artist. As somebody who lost control of his personal narrative in the media, Reubens found himself at odds with the documentary process. But at the end of his life, he took a leap of faith, and decided that the film should be finished.

Premiering at Sundance 2025

HBO Documentary Films Presents
An Elara & First Love Films Production
Produced by Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Edited by Damian Rodriguez
Cinematographer David Paul Jacobson
Score by Jon Brion & Michael Penn

Executive Producers: Matt Wolf, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Ronnie Bronstein, Eli Bush, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez, Candace Tomarken, Kyle Martin