Last December, we reported that Netflix was going to be moving ahead with a Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) movie.  Today, the streaming service has announced that the film will be entitled Pee-Wee's Big Holiday, and shooting is set to begin in 3 weeks.  Judd Apatow is still on board to produce alongside star Reubens.  Reubens co-wrote the film with Paul Rust (Arrested Development), and John Lee (Inside Amy Schumer) will make his feature directing debut on the comedy.  On his official website, Pee-Wee says filming begins in three weeks.

According to the press release, "In Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny."

Enough time has passed since the last Pee-Wee movie, the 1988 dud Big Top Pee-Wee, that Big Holiday feels like a fresh start.  An entire generation is unfamiliar with the character, and his existing fans know that they shouldn't use the classic Big-Wee's Big Adventure as a metric.  Instead, we should all be excited that Reuben's giddy, charmingly obnoxious character is coming back, and hopefully we'll see him by 2016.

pee-wees-big-holiday-logo
Image via Netflix

Here's the press release:

NETFLIX AND JUDD APATOW TEAM UP TO BRING THE WORLD PEE-WEE HERMAN’S NEXT BIG ADVENTURE

 

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, A New Feature Film By Paul Reubens and Paul Rust, Available Exclusively To The Global Membership of Netflix

 

John Lee Makes His Feature Film Directorial Debut, Beginning Production in March 2015

 

Beverly Hills, Calif., February 24, 2015--Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, will premiere exclusively in all of its territories the new feature film, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, starring Paul Reubens as the beloved fun-loving hero of TV, stage and film, Pee-wee Herman.

 

Judd Apatow (Anchorman, Bridesmaids) and Reubens, who worked together to bring the project to fruition, will produce the film. Reubens and Paul Rust (Comedy Bang! Bang!, Arrested Development) wrote the film. John Lee (Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer) makes his feature film directorial debut with production beginning in early 2015.

 

In Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny.

 

“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 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 Paul Reubens on this film. It is a dream come true,” said Judd Apatow.

 

“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,” said Pee-wee Herman.