Netflix continues to make forays into the world of original feature films. With Adam Sandler securing a four-picture deal with the company, the next (and far more auspicious step) that the streaming and DVD service has taken is into the world of Pee-Wee Herman. It was announced earlier today that Paul Reubens’ new Pee-Wee film, Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, will be released worldwide on Netflix.
The Judd Apatow-produced Pee-Wee film has been a long time coming: it was originally set up over at Universal, but has since migrated to Netflix, who already streams the original TV show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, as well as both feature films, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and Big Top Pee-Wee. Adding another Pee-Wee film to its roster makes perfect sense, and probably will give the cult fanbase a much bigger chance at seeing it.
Paul Reubens himself sounds quite excited about the Netflix deal, saying the following in a statement released today:
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. Bow tie is the new black.
Just what does the movie entail, though? Plot details have been very thin on the ground, but we know that the story involves Pee-Wee meeting “a mysterious stranger,” who inspires him to take his very first holiday. Other than that, we know very little, but we can assume with Reubens and Apatow on board, that it is bound to be at least a little funny.
With Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, Netflix continues to expand its repertoire from original series to original films. The company also recently reached an agreement with the Weinsteins to distribute the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon simultaneously on the streaming service and in IMAX theaters. Only time will tell if Netflix’s gambles are successful, but it is certainly looking good.