Johnny Depp To Play Pee-Wee Herman In ‘Pee-Wee’s Playhouse’?
Most of us know and love Paul Reubens as Pee-Wee Herman, that oh so annoying character (intentionally) who starred in amongst other things, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure back in 1985. Some also remember Paul Reubens as a pervert after his career was almost finished, and certainly derailed after he was arrested for watching a porno movie in an adult theatre, hardly the crime of the century.
Well, Reubens is still around, and although Pee-Wee Herman almost died a death after the controversy, he is keen to bring him back. To that end, Reubens has written scripts for two Pee-Wee movies, one a strictly kiddie affair, a big screen version of his long running Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, and the other, a more for adults comedy starring Pee-Wee as a singer.
Neither are actually being made yet, but Reubens is still hopeful, and to that end has been talking about casting. To me it’s obvious who should play Pee-Wee Herman, the man who created and fostered the character for all those years, and Reubens is keen to do it himself, but there is a second option on the table.
During an interview with MTV, Reubens discussed the back up plan he has in mind in case he isn’t the one to don the red bowtie:
“My second option is to have Johnny Depp play Pee-Wee.”
Pie in the sky you may think, but he’s already spoken to Depp about it, and his response was “Let me think about it.”
What a bizarre turn of events that would be, and I’m not sure if I can truly see Depp in that role. I mean, he’s a great actor and could probably turn his hand to anything, but Pee-Wee Herman? Hmm.
Depp is obviously big friends with director Tim Burton, and Burton actually got his first big break making Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure back in the mid 80s, so there is some degree of Kevin Bacon there.
What do you think? Do we need Pee-Wee Herman back in the first place? Would you like to see a Reubens, Depp, Burton film be made? Let us know in the comments.
13 Comments
December 17th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
I guess if it helps the film get made it would be ok, but seriously, only Paul Reubens can be Pee-Wee.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
ONLY reubens should play pee-wee.
i mean johnny depp is good and everything.
but seriously… who could imagine anyone but reubens playing pee-wee?!
he’s the essence of pee-wee.
he is the life and SOUL of pee-wee.
i’m sounding too die hard aren’t i…
July 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I would have complete confidence in Depp to do the role justice.
But Reubens is Pee-Wee and there is NO changing that.
While I ADORE Paul and would be very put out if he didn’t don the red bow tie… Johnny would be the perfect substitute.
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I would absolutely NOT go see (or buy the DVD) of a Pee Wee movie with anyone but Reubens.
If Reubens is Pee Wee…absolutely for both.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I thought Pee Wee died during Hurricane Ike????
November 25th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
This makes as much sense as Roger Rabbit playing Bugs Bunny. PR/PW seems to be too humble for Hollywood. Johnny D would bring in wads of cash to get the movie made, but $ don’t equal genius, culture and legacy. $ = the Flintstones movie, C & the Chocolate Factory, Space Jam and any other flash in the pan, Disney-esque dookie bomb that’s been dropped in the past 15-20 years trying to capitalize on the nostalgic 18-48 demo, deemed too stupid to know or care what’s good. P, have faith in your audience, here and now and our children; and most importantly in yourself. Bee the Pee.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
My kids now watch Pee Wee. They thought I was nuts when I first introduced them to his Christmas special three years ago. Now, they call me on the cell if they see one of his movies on the TV.
While I also love Johnny Depp and nearly all of his movies, I can’t see him playing Pee Wee. Anybody but Paul Reubens playing Pee Wee would give us a Pee Wee that’s just the mannerisms and not the heart.
I’m glad Reubens is working on more projects. Can’t wait to see what happens.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Outstanding! I just found out about this! If Ruebens plays Pee-Wee, super! The bottom line for everyone involved however is going to be making the best product which yields the greatest return. So If Ruebens isn’t going to play Pee Wee ,Depp is the best alternative.
I loved Pee Wees Big adventure as a kid, but can also admire Depps ability to bring his own fresh “goofyness” and depth to a character. I would definately bring my kids to see a new Pee Wee movie
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:40 pm
You Don’t know how much I love the Idea of a new Pee Wee movie, But only Paul can play Pee Wee. I love Johnny’s acting and his versatality, But there is only ONE Pee Wee…Attention Johnny Depp! Please go make another Pirates Movie PLEASE…Let Paul Play Pee Wee. Thank You Very Much!
September 25th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Paul Reuben is PEE WEE. There is no contest. Yeah, Hollywood and other such saps will bank on Johnny Depp… but that’s the way it goes. Money. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure is such a well done classic. I am in my 30’s and own the DVD. I feel Paul Reuben should bring back the character, he is the only qualified actor for the job.
December 31st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I feel as though all preceding comments to mine are indeed correct, that there is in all honesty not another “Paul Reubens,” but I also believe that “Pee Wee” was undoubtedly viewed with such a child-like demeanor that it would be hard to see a physically matured Paul Reubens playing the role. Depp is certainly an adequate substitute and after much thought it is he whom I would prefer to see playing the role for at least the “Strictly Kiddie” film. As the issue is contemplated I believe that it should not be who it takes that is debated, but rather what it takes to successfully portray Mr. Herman.
January 9th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
i totally think that paul is the best choice ever he is so awesome in pee wee’s big adventure its my fav movie long live paul reubens not depp!
January 18th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
think of johny depp. think of all the weird stuff he has been in and the strange characters he has played. everything from an alchoholic pirate to an eccentric, scary chocolateer. if he can do that he can do pee wee. he is enough of an odd ball that he could pull it off. he might make pee we creepy though. but that will only make him cooler. i would rather have reubens though…
Leave a Comment