Both Manganiello and Paul Reubens, who plays the iconic Pee-wee character, express their love and appreciation for one another’s talents, the former noting that he grew up with the comedy stylings of the high-pitched, quirky comedian. On his official Website, Reubens calls Manganiello “the coolest actor on the planet,” and jokes that his appearance in the flick “totally makes up for me being cut out of Magic Mike and Magic Mike 2.”
Related: Pee-wee Herman is back! Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday to begin filming in March
While it’s unclear what role Manganiello will play, the premise of the movie (available on Netflix, release date to be announced), will see Herman meeting someone who urges him to take a holiday. Could that mysterious person be Manganiello? Or might he only be making a cameo in the flick as someone Pee-wee meets along the way during his adventure?
Pee-wee is best known for the popular TV show Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and the two big smash hit movies from the ‘80s that spawned from it – Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) and Big Top Pee-wee (1988), both directed by Tim Burton. The TV show ran for five seasons. Reubens also recently reprised the role for The Pee-wee Herman Show, which ran on Broadway back in 2011.
Pee-wee’s Big Holiday will be directed by John Lee (Inside Amy Schumer), and will be Lee’s first feature film. The screenplay was written by Reubens and Paul Rust. It will be produced by Judd Apatow. If his reputation as a comedy-producing genius of this generation precedes him, Pee-wee is poised to make a major comeback. Especially considering Reuben’s uncanny ability to morph right back into that faded grey suit, slicked hairstyle, and quirky smile 30 years later. Brace yourselves, parents, you may just find yourself hearing your own kids now using that old, familiar catchphrase “I know you are, but what am I?” for years to come.
