Making ‘Pee-wee As Himself’: A Filmmaker’s Journey with Paul Reubens

In ‘Pee-wee and Me,’ filmmaker Matt Wolf recounts the emotionally complex and years-long process of creating a documentary about Paul Reubens, best known for his character Pee-wee Herman. Wolf had idolized Reubens since childhood, and his passion led him to pursue Reubens as a documentary subject, eventually conducting over 40 hours of interviews. The project, titled ‘Pee-wee As Himself,’ took four years to complete and tested the limits of creative control and personal boundaries. Reubens, intensely private and selective, struggled with letting go of the narrative reins, especially concerning sensitive topics such as his sexuality and legal troubles. Despite initial tension and delays, including Reubens’ resistance to certain interviews and edits, the filmmaker captured intimate moments, including Reubens publicly coming out as gay for the first time on camera. The documentary also reveals Reubens’ internal conflict between his public persona and private identity. Tragically, Reubens passed away from cancer before the final interview could be completed. Wolf reflects on the profound impact of their relationship, both personal and professional, which blurred the lines between subject and storyteller. The result is a portrait not only of a cultural icon but also of a man wrestling with legacy, identity, and control.