On July 31, 2023, the news of Reubens’ death came as a shock to documentary filmmaker Matt Wolf, who had spent a year trying to convince him to make the ambitious two-part documentary “Pee-wee as Himself,” now streaming on HBO Max, and over 40 hours interviewing him on camera.

Director Matt Wolf discusses the ups and downs of working with Paul Reubens on an honest film about a private life.

Matt Wolf's two-part HBO documentary on the life and career of Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman, explores his identity and need for control.