Paul Reubens Wants Johnny Depp to Play Pee-wee Herman
You really gotta feel for Paul Reubens. I mean, ever since the whole masturbation incident of 1991, his career (and the character of Pee-wee Herman) had to be put on life-support for many years. I guess maybe there’s something moderately disturbing about the star of a children’s TV series exposing himself in public… but I mean, did he really deserve all the persecution he received? I don’t think so! He is only now starting to get back on his feet, with recent appearances on TV shows like 30 Rock and Pushing Daisies, and also a role in David Arquette’s The Tripper in addition to the upcoming Todd Solondz film Life During Wartime.
But what he really wants to do is resurrect the character of Pee-wee Herman. He’s been trying for years to get two new Pee-wee movies off the ground — both a family friendly continuation and a darker, more grown-up comedy. I guess people haven’t really been going for it so far, and maybe the existence of two Pee-wee Herman movies is working against him a bit. In a recent interview with MTV, however, Reubens stated that if he can’t star in either of the flicks, he has another, more bankable star lined up and ready to enter the Playhouse: Mr. Johnny Depp! Supposedly Reubens has spoken to Depp about it, and his enthusiastic response was, “Let me think about it”. Okay, so it sounds like this is probably just wishful thinking on the part of Reubens, but it does bring up an interesting scenario. If Depp were to sign on, what are the odds Tim Burton would be right behind him? Reubens claims that Burton “would be interested in it, but he’s really busy”. Ah well, I guess we can always dream, can’t we? Something tells me this Pee-wee Herman comeback may be a bit farther off than he thinks, but I’m rooting for him, I really am.
Comments (5)
I agree…I’m totally rooting for Reubens all the way! Today’s society is so hypocritical…people STILL ask for O.J. Simpson’s autograph, yet most people still chastize Paul Reubens for masturbating (in public)!? At least he wasn’t jerkin’ it to child porn….c’mon people!
Go Pee-wee!!!!
Posted by Jason on December 12th, 2007When I was a little kid I used to watch Pee Wee’s show all the time. I still have the action figure, actually. As an adult though, I can’t see the draw behind this character whatsoever. I went to school a few years ago with a guy who was almost thirty and loved the hell out of the character. He has shirts, bobble heads, and all kinds of other memorabilia, and even his MySpace profile is littered with pictures of the guy in the background. My question is: what do adults see in Pee Wee Herman? I’m not insinuating that it’s stupid for people to like the character or anything, I just don’t understand it. Isn’t/wasn’t the guy just the host of a children’s show?
Posted by Rian on December 12th, 2007if Johnny Depp were to play Pee-Wee i would definitely watch the movie! I love pee-wee’s show, my mom used to watch it when she was a kid and i think it’s hilarious, even if it was made for younger audiences. =) and JOHNNY DEPP??!!! pee-wee’s a genius…
Posted by psh im not sayin my name on February 27th, 2008I think the Pee Wee Herman show was one of the best children’s shows ever on television. My guess is two out of three adults whether in private or public did a Pee Wee Herman impression. I dont think a Pee Wee Herman movie does justice to Paul Reubens. Johnny Depp is a great actor but will fall short in characterizing Pee Wee Herman. I think the network that is smart enough to put the Pee Wee Herman show on air will find themselves a winner. I think they should ad a segment where Pee Wee interviews children similar to Art Linkletter in the 1950’s.
Posted by Steve Berson on February 3rd, 2009How about Jennifer Tilly for Miss Yvonne? That would be marvelous!
Posted by Bernie on July 12th, 2009Leave a Reply