Are moviegoers really clamoring for more of the ghost with the most? Tim Burton and Warner Bros. certainly think so. After dropping a disappointingly tepid teaser trailer last March, the Goth King of Hollywood (who probably single-handedly kept the ubiquitous shopping mall mainstay Hot Topic in business) has just unleashed a full theatrical trailer that, hopefully, whets fans' appetite for another ghoulish, antic-filled adventure headlined by the always game Michael Keaton.
For those of us who came of age during Burton's bizarro Hollywood auteur era (which kicked off with 1985's timeless classic "Pee Wee's Big Adventure), we're hoping one of the most visually distinct filmmakers in the history of the medium has rediscovered his macabre mojo. "Beetlejuice" (which he once described as his anti-Spielberg film), "Edward Scissorhands," and his two Batman movies looked completely unlike any other studio productions. They played like live-action Charles Addams illustrations -- yes,...
For those of us who came of age during Burton's bizarro Hollywood auteur era (which kicked off with 1985's timeless classic "Pee Wee's Big Adventure), we're hoping one of the most visually distinct filmmakers in the history of the medium has rediscovered his macabre mojo. "Beetlejuice" (which he once described as his anti-Spielberg film), "Edward Scissorhands," and his two Batman movies looked completely unlike any other studio productions. They played like live-action Charles Addams illustrations -- yes,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Actor Michael Keaton has spent the last two years reprising his iconic roles from Tim Burton films. The actor will be seen as the beloved ‘bio-exorcist’ Beetlegeuse in the upcoming sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the teaser of which debuted earlier this week. Keaton also starred as Bruce Wayne a.k.a Batman in last year’s Dceu film The Flash.
While fans were ecstatic to see Keaton don the cowl again, his casting in the original 1989 Batman did not receive the same fanfare. When he was cast as Wayne in the adaptation, many fans reportedly were outraged at the casting as he was known as a comedic actor. Fans reportedly wrote thousands of letters to Warner Bros. to dissuade them from casting Keaton.
Michael Keaton Was Cast In Batman Over Many Other Stars Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice
While Tim Burton’s Batman is now considered to be a classic take on the beloved DC character,...
While fans were ecstatic to see Keaton don the cowl again, his casting in the original 1989 Batman did not receive the same fanfare. When he was cast as Wayne in the adaptation, many fans reportedly were outraged at the casting as he was known as a comedic actor. Fans reportedly wrote thousands of letters to Warner Bros. to dissuade them from casting Keaton.
Michael Keaton Was Cast In Batman Over Many Other Stars Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice
While Tim Burton’s Batman is now considered to be a classic take on the beloved DC character,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Sam Mercer, producer on several M. Night Shyamalan movies and former head of Ilm, died Feb. 12 of younger onset Alzheimer’s in South Pasadena. He was 69.
Raised in Weston, Mass., he attended Occidental College and then started working as a location manager on 1980s classics including “Stripes,” “The Escape Artist,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Swing Shift,” “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “The Witches of Eastwick.”
He joined the Walt Disney Company as a production executive, supervising films including “Good Morning Vietnam,” “Three Fugitives” and “Dead Poets Society.” He then became VP of motion picture production at Hollywood Pictures, where he oversaw releases including “Quiz Show,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “Born Yesterday,” “Swing Kids,” “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” and “Arachnophobia.”
Mercer then worked as an independent producer, starting with “Congo,” “The Relic” and “Mission to Mars.” After working with Shyamalan on “The Sixth Sense,” then went on...
Raised in Weston, Mass., he attended Occidental College and then started working as a location manager on 1980s classics including “Stripes,” “The Escape Artist,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Swing Shift,” “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “The Witches of Eastwick.”
He joined the Walt Disney Company as a production executive, supervising films including “Good Morning Vietnam,” “Three Fugitives” and “Dead Poets Society.” He then became VP of motion picture production at Hollywood Pictures, where he oversaw releases including “Quiz Show,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “Born Yesterday,” “Swing Kids,” “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” and “Arachnophobia.”
Mercer then worked as an independent producer, starting with “Congo,” “The Relic” and “Mission to Mars.” After working with Shyamalan on “The Sixth Sense,” then went on...
- 3/14/2024
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Sam Mercer, who produced eight M. Night Shyamalan films starting with the spooky blockbuster The Sixth Sense, has died. He was 69.
Mercer died Feb. 12 at his home in South Pasadena after a battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, his wife, Tegan Jones, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Mercer was seen as an out-of-the-box hire when he joined Industrial Light & Magic in September 2015 to oversee and coordinate activities of the VFX giant’s studios in San Francisco, Vancouver, London and Singapore. However, he left the next year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Mercer began his career as a location manager on films including Stripes (1981), National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) and The Witches of Eastwick (1987).
He joined Disney and was a production executive on such features as Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) and Dead Poets Society (1989), and as a production vp at Hollywood Pictures, he oversaw the release of films...
Mercer died Feb. 12 at his home in South Pasadena after a battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, his wife, Tegan Jones, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Mercer was seen as an out-of-the-box hire when he joined Industrial Light & Magic in September 2015 to oversee and coordinate activities of the VFX giant’s studios in San Francisco, Vancouver, London and Singapore. However, he left the next year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Mercer began his career as a location manager on films including Stripes (1981), National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) and The Witches of Eastwick (1987).
He joined Disney and was a production executive on such features as Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) and Dead Poets Society (1989), and as a production vp at Hollywood Pictures, he oversaw the release of films...
- 3/14/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sam Mercer, who produced seven M. Night Shyamalan films including The Sixth Sense, headed Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic and was location manager on several classic 1980s pics, has died. He was 69.
His wife Tegan Jones told Deadline that Mercer died February 12 of younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
“He was the best big brother I could have hoped for,” Shyamalan said in a statement. “He made every movie a family, and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since.”
Mercer moved to Los Angeles from Weston, Ma, to work in the movie industry. He began his career as a location manager on such 1980s gems as Stripes, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Peggy Sue Got Married and The Witches of Eastwick before moving to Walt Disney Studios.
Paul Reubens in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)
There he worked as a production executive, supervising movies including Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society,...
His wife Tegan Jones told Deadline that Mercer died February 12 of younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
“He was the best big brother I could have hoped for,” Shyamalan said in a statement. “He made every movie a family, and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since.”
Mercer moved to Los Angeles from Weston, Ma, to work in the movie industry. He began his career as a location manager on such 1980s gems as Stripes, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Peggy Sue Got Married and The Witches of Eastwick before moving to Walt Disney Studios.
Paul Reubens in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)
There he worked as a production executive, supervising movies including Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Tim Burton is set to take on a remake of the 1958 classic Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman, which is set up at Warner Bros.
Filmmaker Tim Burton will be working with Warner Bros once again, following the completion of production on his upcoming Beetlejuice sequel which we know now is called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. That film finally wrapped production late last year after strike-related delays and is set to debut in September of this year.
Burton also has another season of the hit Netflix show, Wednesday, geared up for production in April and that will likely run until late summer. Beyond that though, it looks like the filmmaker has his next project lined up – and it’s a very Burton project indeed: a reimagining of the 1958 kitsch classic, Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros is backing the film, and interestingly, the script is being written by Gone Girl author,...
Filmmaker Tim Burton will be working with Warner Bros once again, following the completion of production on his upcoming Beetlejuice sequel which we know now is called Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. That film finally wrapped production late last year after strike-related delays and is set to debut in September of this year.
Burton also has another season of the hit Netflix show, Wednesday, geared up for production in April and that will likely run until late summer. Beyond that though, it looks like the filmmaker has his next project lined up – and it’s a very Burton project indeed: a reimagining of the 1958 kitsch classic, Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros is backing the film, and interestingly, the script is being written by Gone Girl author,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Copyright by Warner Bros Over the past four decades, there have been many comic book movies – some great, some not so much. While 1978’s Superman, starring the late great Christopher Reeve, and its sequel Superman II (1980) were a huge success and set the bar high for movies in the genre, there wasn’t much success after that until 1989. That’s when Tim Burton, a young director, was hired to take on the beloved legendary comic book character Batman. Although Burton had directed two previous successful films, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and Beetlejuice (which starred Michael Keaton), many questioned whether he was the right director for the highly anticipated film. However, Burton proved himself, and Batman is now considered one of the best superhero movies. Interestingly, despite his success with Batman, Burton wasn’t a big comic book fan at the time. In fact, at the time of the film’s release...
- 1/7/2024
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
For my money, the Monkees are way, way more interesting than the Beatles.
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
According to Andrew Sandoval's thorough and invaluable book "The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story of the '60s TV Pop Sensation," an ad was put in Variety and the Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 1965, looking for "four insane boys" to be the members of a new pre-fabricated pop band. The band would also star in a TV series -- deliberately meant to evoke Richard Lester's 1964 Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night" -- that would use their real names, but present their lives as a fictional merry-go-round of kooky shenanigans.
The producers zeroed in on former child actor Micky Dolenz, a friend of musician Stephen Stills named Peter Tork, a British, boyish heartthrob named Davy Jones, and heir to the Liquid Paper fortune, Mike Nesmith. Their TV series debuted on September 12, 1966, the week after "Star Trek" debuted, and...
- 12/26/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Every so often, a long-presumed dead sequel will suddenly spring from the grave like Michael Keaton's "Ghost With the Most" flying out of his coffin in "Beetlejuice." So it was when "Beetlejuice 2" was announced in 2022 following multiple failed attempts at making a follow-up to Tim Burton's original 1988 supernatural comedy. "Beetlejuice" wasn't Burton's first feature (that would be "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure"), but it was arguably the first "Tim Burton film" that established him as a true stylist. It's also probably the horniest, most foul-mouthed movie to snag a PG rating this side of the invention of the PG-13 -- the sort of film you make when you're an outsider hungry to prove yourself and unleash your idiosyncratic, gleefully anti-commercial vision on the industry.
More than 35 years later, Burton has unfortunately become a brand unto himself, his macabre, twisted vision no longer something that makes studios nervous. "Beetlejuice 2...
More than 35 years later, Burton has unfortunately become a brand unto himself, his macabre, twisted vision no longer something that makes studios nervous. "Beetlejuice 2...
- 12/2/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Victor J. Kemper, the cinematographer behind “Dog Day Afternoon,” “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and other notable films, has died. He was 96.
American Cinematographer, the international publication of the American Society of Cinematographers, confirmed the news of his passing on social media.
One of Kemper’s most prominent films is the biographical crime drama “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film, which tells the true story of a 1972 bank robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn, was nominated for six Academy Awards and was admitted to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Kemper also had an ongoing collaborative relationship with director Arthur Hiller, working together on films like “The Tiger Makes Out” (1969) and “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” (1989). Other prominent directors he worked with include John Cassavetes, Anthony Harvey, Michael Ritchie, Elaine May, J. Lee Thompson and Elia Kazan, among many others.
American Cinematographer, the international publication of the American Society of Cinematographers, confirmed the news of his passing on social media.
One of Kemper’s most prominent films is the biographical crime drama “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino. The film, which tells the true story of a 1972 bank robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn, was nominated for six Academy Awards and was admitted to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
Kemper also had an ongoing collaborative relationship with director Arthur Hiller, working together on films like “The Tiger Makes Out” (1969) and “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” (1989). Other prominent directors he worked with include John Cassavetes, Anthony Harvey, Michael Ritchie, Elaine May, J. Lee Thompson and Elia Kazan, among many others.
- 11/29/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
Victor J. Kemper, the veteran cinematographer who shot more than 50 features, including Dog Day Afternoon, Eyes of Laura Mars, The Jerk and Slap Shot, has died. He was 96.
Kemper died Monday of natural causes in Sherman Oaks, his son, Steven Kemper, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kemper earned his inaugural D.P. credit on Husbands (1970), written and directed by John Cassavetes, then shot Elia Kazan’s final feature, The Last Tycoon (1976) and Tim Burton’s first, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985).
Kemper also did six films for director Arthur Hiller — The Tiger Makes Out (1967), The Hospital (1971), Author! Author! (1982), The Lonely Guy (1984), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) and Married to It (1991) — and three in a row for Carl Reiner: Oh God! (1977), The One and Only (1978) and The Jerk (1979).
The New Jersey native said he had to wear ice skates when he photographed the hockey scenes in George Roy Hill’s Slap Shot (1977) and...
Kemper died Monday of natural causes in Sherman Oaks, his son, Steven Kemper, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kemper earned his inaugural D.P. credit on Husbands (1970), written and directed by John Cassavetes, then shot Elia Kazan’s final feature, The Last Tycoon (1976) and Tim Burton’s first, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985).
Kemper also did six films for director Arthur Hiller — The Tiger Makes Out (1967), The Hospital (1971), Author! Author! (1982), The Lonely Guy (1984), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) and Married to It (1991) — and three in a row for Carl Reiner: Oh God! (1977), The One and Only (1978) and The Jerk (1979).
The New Jersey native said he had to wear ice skates when he photographed the hockey scenes in George Roy Hill’s Slap Shot (1977) and...
- 11/29/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tim Burton is a filmmaker who has created some of the most iconic films of the past several decades. Films like “Beetlejuice,” “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and even “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” But you could make a case that his most popular and influential film of all time is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” And interestingly enough, he didn’t even direct it.
Continue reading ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’: Tim Burton Says There Will Never Be A Reboot Or Sequel To His Beloved Animated Film at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’: Tim Burton Says There Will Never Be A Reboot Or Sequel To His Beloved Animated Film at The Playlist.
- 11/22/2023
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
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If you were around when "The Nightmare Before Christmas" first opened in theaters, it might freak you out to learn that it's been 30 years since then. The film, adapted from a story by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, tells the musical tale of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who is having an emotional crisis. He's looking for something different and new when he comes across doors for other holiday towns. When he visits Christmas Town, he thinks it will be much better than what he has. He returns to Halloween Town and tries to get the spooky residents to embrace Christmas, which they do, but in their own, unique and creepy way.
Elfman, who was the lead vocalist and played rhythm guitar for the band Oingo Boingo at the time, composed the music for the film in just around 30 days.
If you were around when "The Nightmare Before Christmas" first opened in theaters, it might freak you out to learn that it's been 30 years since then. The film, adapted from a story by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, tells the musical tale of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who is having an emotional crisis. He's looking for something different and new when he comes across doors for other holiday towns. When he visits Christmas Town, he thinks it will be much better than what he has. He returns to Halloween Town and tries to get the spooky residents to embrace Christmas, which they do, but in their own, unique and creepy way.
Elfman, who was the lead vocalist and played rhythm guitar for the band Oingo Boingo at the time, composed the music for the film in just around 30 days.
- 11/21/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
"The Amityville Horror" is one of the definitive haunted house films, a classic tale about paranormal activity terrorizing a suburban family with swarming flies, mysterious voices, and sudden illness. Even the windows resemble ominous eyes peering down on the unsuspecting victims. The movie taps into the religious undertones popularized by other 1970s releases such as "The Exorcist" and "The Omen," suggesting there is a Satanic force at work that must be destroyed.
Eventually, the new owners George and Kathy Lutz discover the horrifying history of their new home: Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family with a rifle one year prior, a Satanic worshipper named John Ketchum once lived on the land, and the house itself was built on a Shinnecock burial ground.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for elements like the cheesy portrayal of a possessed George, "The Amityville Horror" ended up having a significant impact on the horror genre.
Eventually, the new owners George and Kathy Lutz discover the horrifying history of their new home: Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family with a rifle one year prior, a Satanic worshipper named John Ketchum once lived on the land, and the house itself was built on a Shinnecock burial ground.
Despite receiving mixed reviews for elements like the cheesy portrayal of a possessed George, "The Amityville Horror" ended up having a significant impact on the horror genre.
- 11/19/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
When Henry Selick's animated fantasy "The Nightmare Before Christmas" was first released in October of 1993, it wasn't an overwhelming hit. Made for a budget of $20 million, the film only opened to about $191,000 in its first weekend. It would eventually crawl its way to a respectable but not mind-blowing $50 million overall. Disney, the film's distributor, clearly had little faith in the project and released it under its Touchstone label, feeling it was too weird for little kids. Only a small segment of passionate teenage Tim Burton fans latched onto it (Burton designed the film and wrote the poem on which the script is based), and it was the weirdos and Goths who bought it on VHS and committed the film to memory. For a few brief, sweet years, "Nightmare" was little more than a legitimate cult phenomenon.
Something happened by the late 1990s, however, as Disney slowly discovered that marketing...
Something happened by the late 1990s, however, as Disney slowly discovered that marketing...
- 11/11/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There’s a scene in the Paul Reubens-starrer Pee-wee’s Big Adventure that finds its titular character setting off on a vagabond adventure. He hops aboard a train to sit side-by-side with a grizzled, toothless man known as Hobo Jack, and they sing camp songs until Pee-Wee suddenly sours on the moment. The disgust radiates from his face and he makes a rash decision to jump off the moving train and tumble into the dirt below. The scene lasts all of 53 seconds.
“It’s such a committed, incredibly short joke that takes so much effort and I think that that has embedded somewhere deep inside me,” Greta Gerwig explained from the podium inside Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night while introducing a screening of Tim Burton’s 1985 film as part of AFI Fest. The blockbuster Barbie director turned up as part of her guest-directing duties for the Los Angeles-based festival,...
“It’s such a committed, incredibly short joke that takes so much effort and I think that that has embedded somewhere deep inside me,” Greta Gerwig explained from the podium inside Tcl Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Thursday night while introducing a screening of Tim Burton’s 1985 film as part of AFI Fest. The blockbuster Barbie director turned up as part of her guest-directing duties for the Los Angeles-based festival,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This year’s AFI Fest is back in full glory, featuring a rich lineup of critical favorites plus a slate of five films curated by guest artistic director Greta Gerwig, whose latest film, “Barbie” has grossed $1.4 billion.
Returning to Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre and screening films from October 25-29, the event will feature Gerwig’s curated list of films: “All That Jazz,” “An American in Paris,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Wings of Desire.” AFI Fest will also screen the U.S. premiere of “Lee,” starring Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet, who is a producer on the project as well. The biopic follows the life of Lee Miller, a wartime photographer who documented the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps, London Blitz and liberation of Paris during WW II.
“I think AFI Fest and all film festivals are monuments to the inspirational power of film, the healing restorative power of film,...
Returning to Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatre and screening films from October 25-29, the event will feature Gerwig’s curated list of films: “All That Jazz,” “An American in Paris,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and “Wings of Desire.” AFI Fest will also screen the U.S. premiere of “Lee,” starring Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet, who is a producer on the project as well. The biopic follows the life of Lee Miller, a wartime photographer who documented the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps, London Blitz and liberation of Paris during WW II.
“I think AFI Fest and all film festivals are monuments to the inspirational power of film, the healing restorative power of film,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
US premiere of Kate Winslet starrer Lee added to selection.
AFI Fest guest artistic director Greta Gerwig has revealed her five selections ahead of the Hollywood event running October 25-29.
Gerwig, whose Barbie ranks as the highest global release of the year to date on $1.43bn, has curated All That Jazz, An American In Paris, A Matter Of Life And Death, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and Wings Of Desire.
Separately the festival announced on Tuesday that it has set an October 28 US premiere for Ellen Kuras’ Lee starring Kate Winslet as Lee Miller, the model turned war correspondent whose images of the Blitz,...
AFI Fest guest artistic director Greta Gerwig has revealed her five selections ahead of the Hollywood event running October 25-29.
Gerwig, whose Barbie ranks as the highest global release of the year to date on $1.43bn, has curated All That Jazz, An American In Paris, A Matter Of Life And Death, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and Wings Of Desire.
Separately the festival announced on Tuesday that it has set an October 28 US premiere for Ellen Kuras’ Lee starring Kate Winslet as Lee Miller, the model turned war correspondent whose images of the Blitz,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
In months leading up to her billion-dollar Mattel success “Barbie,” Greta Gerwig famously revealed some of the film influences behind her work. Now, the practice is set to continue in her role as guest artistic director for the 2023 AFI Fest, which takes place in Los Angeles Oct. 25–29.
The Oscar-nominated writer-director revealed Tuesday the five films that are going to be part of her specially curated festival sidebar: Tim Burton’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell’s “A Matter of Life and Death,” Vincente Minnelli’s “An American in Paris” and Wim Wenders’ “Wings of Desire.”
Gerwig will introduce select films herself, notably “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” which screens at the Tcl Chinese Theatre on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m., two months after the death of its star and cowriter Paul Reubens.
Additionally, AFI Fest has added a few new titles to the lineup,...
The Oscar-nominated writer-director revealed Tuesday the five films that are going to be part of her specially curated festival sidebar: Tim Burton’s “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz,” Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell’s “A Matter of Life and Death,” Vincente Minnelli’s “An American in Paris” and Wim Wenders’ “Wings of Desire.”
Gerwig will introduce select films herself, notably “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” which screens at the Tcl Chinese Theatre on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m., two months after the death of its star and cowriter Paul Reubens.
Additionally, AFI Fest has added a few new titles to the lineup,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
This Halloween season, Bloody Disgusting and Screambox are bringing Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls to theaters (Oct. 19), a gateway horror film that wears its ’80s/’90s influences on its sleeves.
Based on writer, director, and star Andrew Bowser’s viral internet character of the same name, Onyx tells the story of an amateur occultist who learns that sometimes, when you raise Hell…you get a little burned.
“Onyx the Fortuitous is struggling to find purpose with his soul-devouring side gig when he receives a coveted invitation to the mansion of his idol, Bartok the Great. Here, he joins Bartok and his mysterious delegation to raise the spirit of an ancient demon for a once-in-a-lifetime ritual.”
In the new clip, Onyx (Bowser) witnesses something horrific and stumbles into a room, going on a fright-filled tangent: “I love the mechanics of these vintage lamps!”
The clip puts the incredible practical effects on display,...
Based on writer, director, and star Andrew Bowser’s viral internet character of the same name, Onyx tells the story of an amateur occultist who learns that sometimes, when you raise Hell…you get a little burned.
“Onyx the Fortuitous is struggling to find purpose with his soul-devouring side gig when he receives a coveted invitation to the mansion of his idol, Bartok the Great. Here, he joins Bartok and his mysterious delegation to raise the spirit of an ancient demon for a once-in-a-lifetime ritual.”
In the new clip, Onyx (Bowser) witnesses something horrific and stumbles into a room, going on a fright-filled tangent: “I love the mechanics of these vintage lamps!”
The clip puts the incredible practical effects on display,...
- 10/9/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Barbie phenomenon is spreading to AFI Fest.
Greta Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote the billion dollar blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been tapped to serve as guest artistic director of the Los Angeles-based festival. In the role, Gerwig will curate a number of films to add to the festival lineup and will be on hand to present one or more of those films depending on her schedule. Filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda have held the role in previous festivals.
On Oct. 10, AFI revealed the list of films Gerwig has selected. Those five films include Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking, Vincente Minnelli’s An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s A Matter of Life and Death, Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure starring the...
Greta Gerwig, who directed and co-wrote the billion dollar blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been tapped to serve as guest artistic director of the Los Angeles-based festival. In the role, Gerwig will curate a number of films to add to the festival lineup and will be on hand to present one or more of those films depending on her schedule. Filmmakers like Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch and Agnès Varda have held the role in previous festivals.
On Oct. 10, AFI revealed the list of films Gerwig has selected. Those five films include Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz starring Roy Scheider, Jessica Lange and Ann Reinking, Vincente Minnelli’s An American in Paris starring Gene Kelly, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s A Matter of Life and Death, Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure starring the...
- 10/2/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On July 30, 2023, actor Paul Reubens died after a six-year private battle with cancer. He was 70. Best known for his iconic role as Pee-wee Herman, the comedian, producer, and writer was once a beloved children’s television actor.
Sadly, his reputation was tarnished in the early ’90s after being arrested for indecent exposure, making it impossible to return to the notoriety he once enjoyed, despite several attempts to revive the Pee-wee Herman character.
A death certificate issued on September 8, 2023, revealed the late actor’s cause of death.
‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’
Reubens introduced Pee-wee Herman in 1978 while performing with The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based comedy troupe. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reubens embarked on a 22-city U.S. tour to promote the character and landed an HBO special. But, it wasn’t until he appeared in the 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure that he garnished a substantial fan base.
His immense popularity led to...
Sadly, his reputation was tarnished in the early ’90s after being arrested for indecent exposure, making it impossible to return to the notoriety he once enjoyed, despite several attempts to revive the Pee-wee Herman character.
A death certificate issued on September 8, 2023, revealed the late actor’s cause of death.
‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’
Reubens introduced Pee-wee Herman in 1978 while performing with The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based comedy troupe. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reubens embarked on a 22-city U.S. tour to promote the character and landed an HBO special. But, it wasn’t until he appeared in the 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure that he garnished a substantial fan base.
His immense popularity led to...
- 10/1/2023
- by Suse Forrest
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1978, Richard Donner gave us the first superhero blockbuster with "Superman." Treating its subject matter with reverence and respect, the movie established comic book adaptations not only as crowd pleasing spectacles, but as spaces in which more weighty themes could be explored. Bolstered by the presence of none other than screen legend Marlon Brando in the role of Superman's father, Jor-El, the film was not just a hit, it was a critical success that gave off an air of prestige. Then, things sort of went downhill.
After 1980's "Superman II," each subsequent entry in the franchise seemed to chip away at the respect superhero movies had earned in 1978. It didn't help that Marvel tried its hand at making a comic book adaptation in the form of 1986's historic flop "Howard The Duck." Of course, It would be 22 years before Marvel got their act together with 2008's "Iron Man" — the film...
After 1980's "Superman II," each subsequent entry in the franchise seemed to chip away at the respect superhero movies had earned in 1978. It didn't help that Marvel tried its hand at making a comic book adaptation in the form of 1986's historic flop "Howard The Duck." Of course, It would be 22 years before Marvel got their act together with 2008's "Iron Man" — the film...
- 9/10/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Paul Reubens’ cause of death has been revealed months following his death in July.
The late actor died from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, according to his death certificate that People obtained and his rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter Saturday. The condition happens when the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body.
Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, died in Los Angeles at the age of 70. He had also been battling two types of cancer for several years prior to his death, his rep said.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read at the time of his death. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
The late actor died from acute hypoxic respiratory failure, according to his death certificate that People obtained and his rep confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter Saturday. The condition happens when the respiratory system cannot adequately provide oxygen to the body.
Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, died in Los Angeles at the age of 70. He had also been battling two types of cancer for several years prior to his death, his rep said.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read at the time of his death. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
- 9/9/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Reubens, star of the 1985 classic “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” had leukemia when he died in July at 70, according to his death certificate.
Reubens’ cause of death was stated to be acute hypoxic respiratory failure, meaning his lungs were not producing enough oxygen. That condition was likely caused by his cancer, which according to the death certificate had also spread to his lungs.
His cancer was described in the death certificate as acute myelogenous leukemia, a form of the blood disease that also attacks bone marrow.
Reubens’ family said in a statement on July 31 released after his death that he had been “bravely and privately” battling cancer for years “with his trademark tenacity and wit.” Reubens had not previously revealed a cancer diagnosis.
The Blast first reported Reubens’ cause of death.
The death certificate also said Reubens was cremated and will be interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Reubens’ cause of death was stated to be acute hypoxic respiratory failure, meaning his lungs were not producing enough oxygen. That condition was likely caused by his cancer, which according to the death certificate had also spread to his lungs.
His cancer was described in the death certificate as acute myelogenous leukemia, a form of the blood disease that also attacks bone marrow.
Reubens’ family said in a statement on July 31 released after his death that he had been “bravely and privately” battling cancer for years “with his trademark tenacity and wit.” Reubens had not previously revealed a cancer diagnosis.
The Blast first reported Reubens’ cause of death.
The death certificate also said Reubens was cremated and will be interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
- 9/9/2023
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
Calling the production of 1989's "Batman" an uphill struggle is an understatement. There's a reason director Tim Burton claims bringing his vision of the Dark Knight to fruition was "torture." Lawyer-turned-producer Michael E. Uslan, who'd acquired the rights to a Batman movie in the '70s, envisioned a darker cinematic take on the character, and Burton was brought on to make it happen. But keeping things on track was a slog from the outset.
Burton had to work hard to convince Uslan that Michael Keaton should play Batman, and that was just the beginning of his struggles. The director clashed with producer Jon Peters, who reportedly caused Burton to run off set in tears after he told him to add more "pathos and romance" to his movie. Carl Grissom actor Jack Palance also gave Burton a dressing down after a miscommunication on-set. And all of this was happening within the...
Burton had to work hard to convince Uslan that Michael Keaton should play Batman, and that was just the beginning of his struggles. The director clashed with producer Jon Peters, who reportedly caused Burton to run off set in tears after he told him to add more "pathos and romance" to his movie. Carl Grissom actor Jack Palance also gave Burton a dressing down after a miscommunication on-set. And all of this was happening within the...
- 8/26/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
When it comes to the most successful directorial debuts of the 1980s, it’s hard not to think of Tim Burton and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. While the zany cult-comedy bares Burton’s stylistic stamp, the brilliant conceit is really the brainchild of the late great Paul Reubens, a truly original comedian who recently passed away at the age of 70 following a secret six-year bout with cancer. For many who grew up in the 80s, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure remains a childhood touchstone and nostalgic celebration of the power of possibilities. After all, in addition to the story of a rebellious underdog triumphing in the end, the movie was written by a trio of comedians with zero experience and directed by a first-time filmmaker with a lot to prove and even more to lose. And yet, when it was released in the summer of 1985, the film became a massive commercial success...
- 8/24/2023
- by Jake Dee
- JoBlo.com
In his 35-year career, Tim Burton has carved out a niche for himself making quirky, eccentric films that are often box office bonanzas. Let’s take a look back at all 19 of his films, ranked from worst to best, in our photo gallery.
Burton began his career as an animator for Walt Disney Studios before making the short films “Vincent” (1982) and “Frankenweenie” (1984). He directed his first feature when he was just 26 years old: “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985). Burton followed that success with the macabre comedy “Beetlejuice” (1988) before entering the world of blockbusters with the dark, ominous superhero adventure “Batman” (1989).
From the beginning, Burton displayed a talent for crafting visually stunning worlds unlike any seen before. Four of his films, in fact — “Batman,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Alice in Wonderland” — have won Oscars for their art direction.
Burton often returned to his animation roots, first as a producer on “The Nightmare Before Christmas...
Burton began his career as an animator for Walt Disney Studios before making the short films “Vincent” (1982) and “Frankenweenie” (1984). He directed his first feature when he was just 26 years old: “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (1985). Burton followed that success with the macabre comedy “Beetlejuice” (1988) before entering the world of blockbusters with the dark, ominous superhero adventure “Batman” (1989).
From the beginning, Burton displayed a talent for crafting visually stunning worlds unlike any seen before. Four of his films, in fact — “Batman,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Alice in Wonderland” — have won Oscars for their art direction.
Burton often returned to his animation roots, first as a producer on “The Nightmare Before Christmas...
- 8/20/2023
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
"Ghostbusters" famously went through many iterations behind the scenes before it became a blockbuster hit in 1984. John Candy could have played Louis Tully, John Belushi was originally envisioned as Peter Venkman, and Eddie Murphy would have joined the team as Winston Zeddemore. But as we all know, Rick Moranis, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson stepped into those roles and cemented themselves in Hollywood history. However, there's another intriguing piece of casting you might not have heard about, and it involves the late, great Paul Reubens.
If you've seen "Ghostbusters," you know that the primary villain turns out to be Gozer the Gozerian, a shapeshifting, inter-dimensional, apocalyptic entity, who has been worshiped as a Sumerian god. Though Gozer can appear however it wants, they take the form of an intimidating woman in an ethereal body suit with terrifying red eyes and a flattop haircut. In the movie, Gozer is played by Yugoslav model Slavitza Jovan,...
If you've seen "Ghostbusters," you know that the primary villain turns out to be Gozer the Gozerian, a shapeshifting, inter-dimensional, apocalyptic entity, who has been worshiped as a Sumerian god. Though Gozer can appear however it wants, they take the form of an intimidating woman in an ethereal body suit with terrifying red eyes and a flattop haircut. In the movie, Gozer is played by Yugoslav model Slavitza Jovan,...
- 8/14/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
For Sony, a big win this week: The studio has announced that “Insidious: The Red Door” ($19.99) is now the biggest-grossing horror film worldwide for 2023. That’s a little surprising, but a $182 million take tops both “M3GAN” and “Scream 6” for the honors.
However, it’s faring a little differently on VOD. Released to PVOD after its fourth weekend, the latest entry in the horror franchise had an uneven debut over three different platforms. It is #1 at Vudu (which ranks by revenue) but is currently only #5 at iTunes and #7 at Googleplay (which calculate by transactions). It got as high as #3 at iTunes after its Tuesday release.
Two other films placed atop the others: “The Little Mermaid” (Disney), also $19.99, repeated at #1 on iTunes, while “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (Paramount), just reduced to $5.99, leads at GooglePlay.
“Insidious” was the only new entry on the charts this week. Along with “Mermaid” and “Transformers,...
However, it’s faring a little differently on VOD. Released to PVOD after its fourth weekend, the latest entry in the horror franchise had an uneven debut over three different platforms. It is #1 at Vudu (which ranks by revenue) but is currently only #5 at iTunes and #7 at Googleplay (which calculate by transactions). It got as high as #3 at iTunes after its Tuesday release.
Two other films placed atop the others: “The Little Mermaid” (Disney), also $19.99, repeated at #1 on iTunes, while “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (Paramount), just reduced to $5.99, leads at GooglePlay.
“Insidious” was the only new entry on the charts this week. Along with “Mermaid” and “Transformers,...
- 8/7/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Everyone seems to have a personal story about Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman. And those stories seem always to revolve around birthdays. I didn’t know Reubens, but apparently half of the people on my Facebook timeline did, because they’re all sharing memories about the lengths Reubens would go to every year to celebrate their big day.
“He loved to make your birthday special,” wrote Joel Stillerman, the former MTV and AMC exec who played a role in helping “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” get made, and later worked with him on the film “Blow.” “The texts, memes, videos and gifs would start in the morning and continue all day until you were in tears, and disbelief that anyone could pull this off. Because you knew that it wasn’t just you.”
Quite honestly, seeing the number of people just on my social media timeline who have a similar Paul Reubens story...
“He loved to make your birthday special,” wrote Joel Stillerman, the former MTV and AMC exec who played a role in helping “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” get made, and later worked with him on the film “Blow.” “The texts, memes, videos and gifs would start in the morning and continue all day until you were in tears, and disbelief that anyone could pull this off. Because you knew that it wasn’t just you.”
Quite honestly, seeing the number of people just on my social media timeline who have a similar Paul Reubens story...
- 8/4/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier this week, we were devastated to hear that Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian best known for playing the character Pee-wee Herman, had passed away at the age of 70, following a six year private battle with cancer. Among the many people who took to social media to mourn the loss of Reubens was special makeup effects artist Mark Shostrom, whose long list of credits includes The Slumber Party Massacre, The Beastmaster, The Mutilator, From Beyond, Witchboard, Prince of Darkness, Poltergeist III, Phantasm II and III, the first three Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and Evil Dead II. And while paying tribute to Reubens, Shostrom revealed that an iconic effect from Evil Dead II drew inspiration from an iconic effect in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure!
Shostrom said, “Paul Reubens provided huge inspiration for my work on Evil Dead II. I had been watching Pee-wee’s Big Adventure on VHS on repeat while sculpting.
Shostrom said, “Paul Reubens provided huge inspiration for my work on Evil Dead II. I had been watching Pee-wee’s Big Adventure on VHS on repeat while sculpting.
- 8/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The late, great Paul Reubens was an artist of incredible duality, a quality embodied by his most famous character, Pee-wee Herman. With his neatly-cropped hair, snazzy red bow tie, and stylin' grey suit and pants, Pee-wee looked like a member of The Little Rascals who had inexplicably grown up overnight. He wasn't all childish innocence and mischief, though. More than a bratty streak, there was something undeniably twisted about Pee-wee, even if, as a kid, I could never quite place my finger on what it was. I just knew that I liked it.
Reubens' brilliance in the art of dark absurdism made him a perfect match for Tim Burton, another artist who appealed to my off-kilter sensibilities before I was old enough to understand why. The pair would join forces multiple times over the course of Reubens' career, beginning with Burton's feature directing debut, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," in 1985. Looking back now,...
Reubens' brilliance in the art of dark absurdism made him a perfect match for Tim Burton, another artist who appealed to my off-kilter sensibilities before I was old enough to understand why. The pair would join forces multiple times over the course of Reubens' career, beginning with Burton's feature directing debut, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," in 1985. Looking back now,...
- 8/2/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There’s a special sadness in saying goodbye to a performer we’ll always remember as a little boy. On Monday, the family and friends of Paul Reubens announced the death of the beloved actor — better known as Pee-wee Herman — who at 70 years old had been quietly battling cancer for more than six years.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement on Reubens’ official Facebook page reads.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” it continues. “A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Tim Burton‘s “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure...
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy, and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement on Reubens’ official Facebook page reads.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit,” it continues. “A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Tim Burton‘s “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure...
- 8/1/2023
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
With the sudden passing of actor Paul Reubens after a private battle with cancer, the outpouring across the country and the world has been comforting, to say the least. Reubens will always be most associated with Pee-wee Herman, the character he created and developed when he was a part of the world-famous comedy troupe The Groundlings during the late '70s. As Pee-wee became more entrenched into our own cultural fabric and "Pee-wee's Playhouse" hit the airwaves every Saturday morning, a generation of '80s kids fell in love with him.
With Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and its sequel "Big Top Pee-wee," Reubens carved out a franchise of his very own during the same decade where the original "Star Wars" trilogy completely dominated the box office. For fans of George Lucas' space opera, Reubens wasn't just known as the lovable, eccentric children's host from television. He was also the voice of Rex,...
With Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and its sequel "Big Top Pee-wee," Reubens carved out a franchise of his very own during the same decade where the original "Star Wars" trilogy completely dominated the box office. For fans of George Lucas' space opera, Reubens wasn't just known as the lovable, eccentric children's host from television. He was also the voice of Rex,...
- 8/1/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Actor whose television character Pee-wee Herman delighted children and their parents in the 1980s
One of the most subversive and original figures in 1980s popular culture was a whey-faced, cherry-lipped, matchstick-thin child-man who wore a red bow tie, white tasselled loafers and a shrunken grey suit, and lived in a giant playhouse with sentient furniture and a floating head. This was Pee-wee Herman, created and played by the actor Paul Reubens, who has died aged 70 of cancer.
The character appeared on stage in The Pee-wee Herman Show during the early 1980s but did not become known internationally until the release of the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), which marked the doolally debut of the director Tim Burton. US cinema in the Reagan era drew heavily on the iconography of the 50s and early 60s, whether for purposes sweet or unsavoury; this big-screen outing for Pee-wee, who was already suffused with the...
One of the most subversive and original figures in 1980s popular culture was a whey-faced, cherry-lipped, matchstick-thin child-man who wore a red bow tie, white tasselled loafers and a shrunken grey suit, and lived in a giant playhouse with sentient furniture and a floating head. This was Pee-wee Herman, created and played by the actor Paul Reubens, who has died aged 70 of cancer.
The character appeared on stage in The Pee-wee Herman Show during the early 1980s but did not become known internationally until the release of the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985), which marked the doolally debut of the director Tim Burton. US cinema in the Reagan era drew heavily on the iconography of the 50s and early 60s, whether for purposes sweet or unsavoury; this big-screen outing for Pee-wee, who was already suffused with the...
- 8/1/2023
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor Paul Reuben, best known for his role in the famous Tim Burton directorial ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’, where he was known for playing the childlike man Pee Wee Herman, has passed away at the age of 70.
The actor died of cancer on Sunday, after which his estate posted the following message on Instagram: “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness.”
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
It also included a public message penned by Reubens himself, apologising to his fans for...
The actor died of cancer on Sunday, after which his estate posted the following message on Instagram: “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness.”
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
It also included a public message penned by Reubens himself, apologising to his fans for...
- 8/1/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Many of us were shocked and saddened when it was announced this morning that Paul Reubens had died at the age of 70 following a six-year battle with cancer. Tributes from all corners of Hollywood have been rolling in, including from Tim Burton, who directed Paul Reubens in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
Tim Burton was just 25 years old when he directed Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which was his very first feature-film. The director took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend and to thank him for starting his career.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tim Burton (@timburton)
“Shocked and saddened,” Tim Burton wrote. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.“
Related Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman actor, dies at 70 after a private battle with...
Tim Burton was just 25 years old when he directed Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, which was his very first feature-film. The director took to Instagram to pay tribute to his friend and to thank him for starting his career.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tim Burton (@timburton)
“Shocked and saddened,” Tim Burton wrote. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.“
Related Paul Reubens, Pee-wee Herman actor, dies at 70 after a private battle with...
- 8/1/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
"Pee-wee's Playhouse" was an anomaly. It premiered a year after the surprise box office success of Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," and, like "The Pee-wee Herman Show" before it, seemed to be strictly kids' stuff. But Paul Reubens' overgrown child act uniquely appealed to the inner brat in all of us. It wasn't like Looney Tunes, where artists snuck in adult-skewing references, nor was it a full-on, off-color parody of the kiddie show format that you'd find on "Saturday Night Live." It was honestly, disarmingly, good clean fun. Its target audience could enjoy it over a bowl of Frosted Flakes, while college students and beyond could enjoy it over a bowl of Frosted Flakes preceded by a bowl of ... something else.
A weekly half-hour dose of Pee-wee was bliss in 1986. I'd just started junior high, which is when your action figures are immediately consigned to the attic, so admitting...
A weekly half-hour dose of Pee-wee was bliss in 1986. I'd just started junior high, which is when your action figures are immediately consigned to the attic, so admitting...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The late, great Paul Reubens didn't just bring his chipper, friendly, well-dressed character Pee-wee Herman to television with "Pee-wee's Playhouse." He also brought total anarchy. In a children's television landscape dominated by poorly disguised toy commercials and wholesome live-action hosts, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" was a loud, chaotic, unapologetically strange (and sometimes controversial) TV series where anything can and, usually, did happen.
Hosted by Reubens, every episode featured Pee-wee Herman — decked out in a (let's be honest here) pretty stylish grey tailored suit and a little red bowtie — interacting with his anthropomorphic furniture, getting his wishes granted by strange deities, and getting visited by a cavalcade of friends. But these friends weren't the normal human beings who lived next door to Pee-wee in the hit film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," who loved him or hated him, but never shared his kookiness. "Pee-wee's Playhouse" was populated by lovable goofballs just like Pee-wee himself,...
Hosted by Reubens, every episode featured Pee-wee Herman — decked out in a (let's be honest here) pretty stylish grey tailored suit and a little red bowtie — interacting with his anthropomorphic furniture, getting his wishes granted by strange deities, and getting visited by a cavalcade of friends. But these friends weren't the normal human beings who lived next door to Pee-wee in the hit film "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," who loved him or hated him, but never shared his kookiness. "Pee-wee's Playhouse" was populated by lovable goofballs just like Pee-wee himself,...
- 7/31/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
It says everything about who Paul Reubens was – and just how much of the curtain surrounding him he was comfortable opening – that the obituaries marking the brilliant 70-year-old comedian’s death Sunday night make his name inseparable from that of his most-famous character creation, Pee-wee Herman. It’s not “Paul Reubens” but “Paul Reubens, best known as Pee-wee Herman” or “a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman.” The man would have been honored that this was his legacy, as he always seemed much more comfortable being the bizarro dude with the signature flattop haircut, grey plaid suit and small red bowtie. I mean, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame reads “Pee-wee Herman” and not “Paul Reubens.” If we’re judging success based purely on how inextricably linked our identity is to a fictitious persona we created, that must be a grand slam.
Reubens died after what was termed “a private bout with cancer.
Reubens died after what was termed “a private bout with cancer.
- 7/31/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Paul Reubens' Pee-wee Herman wasn't always kid friendly.
My introduction to the most lovable dweeb in the history of dweebs came via "The Pee-wee Herman Show," the stage show that, in 1981, announced Reubens as the most inventively bizarre comedic talent since Ernie Kovacs. The production caught fire at Los Angeles' Groundlings theater, and eventually moved to the Roxy, where a performance was taped as an HBO special. I was eight years old when I saw a promo for the special, and I was both excited and perplexed. Why was something this zany and childlike airing at 10 Pm, which was, with few exceptions, exactly my bedtime?
Fortunately, one of those exceptions was the weekend, when I was allowed to stay up for "Saturday Night Live." While 11:30 Pm was a tall order for an eight-year-old who woke up early for cartoons, 10 Pm was doable. Honestly, any excuse to skip "Fantasy Island" was welcome.
My introduction to the most lovable dweeb in the history of dweebs came via "The Pee-wee Herman Show," the stage show that, in 1981, announced Reubens as the most inventively bizarre comedic talent since Ernie Kovacs. The production caught fire at Los Angeles' Groundlings theater, and eventually moved to the Roxy, where a performance was taped as an HBO special. I was eight years old when I saw a promo for the special, and I was both excited and perplexed. Why was something this zany and childlike airing at 10 Pm, which was, with few exceptions, exactly my bedtime?
Fortunately, one of those exceptions was the weekend, when I was allowed to stay up for "Saturday Night Live." While 11:30 Pm was a tall order for an eight-year-old who woke up early for cartoons, 10 Pm was doable. Honestly, any excuse to skip "Fantasy Island" was welcome.
- 7/31/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Comedian Patton Oswalt once staged an imaginary conversation between himself and filmmaker George Lucas prior to the release of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." The film, Oswalt complained, filled in the backstories of characters he never wanted to know the backstories for. "You like Darth Vader?" the imaginary 1998 Lucas said. Yes, Oswalt responded, he loves Darth Vader. "Well now you get to see him as a little kid," Lucas replied. Oswalt was nonplussed by this news. "I don't care about where the stuff I love comes from!" he yelled. "I just love the stuff I love!"
It's been aggressively de rigueur to explore pop figures' origins since at least the release of "Batman Begins" in 2005, and one needn't think too hard to cite myriad examples of insufferable cinematic "how they came to be" tales ever since. This approach can be fun, of course, but it ignores a...
It's been aggressively de rigueur to explore pop figures' origins since at least the release of "Batman Begins" in 2005, and one needn't think too hard to cite myriad examples of insufferable cinematic "how they came to be" tales ever since. This approach can be fun, of course, but it ignores a...
- 7/31/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Tim Burton will never forget Paul Reubens. Burton has shared a tribute to Reubens, who starred in and co-wrote Burton’s feature directorial debut Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, following Reuben’s death Sunday following a years-long battle with cancer at age 70.
“Shocked and saddened,” Burton wrote in a post on Instagram alongside a photo of the two on the set of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure‘s Pee-wee Herman character became known following the 1981 The Pee-wee Herman Show comedy special on HBO. The film character was a quirky man who dressed in his trademark gray suit, red bow tie and white loafers, and in the film went on an adventure as he hunted down his stolen bike.
“Shocked and saddened,” Burton wrote in a post on Instagram alongside a photo of the two on the set of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure‘s Pee-wee Herman character became known following the 1981 The Pee-wee Herman Show comedy special on HBO. The film character was a quirky man who dressed in his trademark gray suit, red bow tie and white loafers, and in the film went on an adventure as he hunted down his stolen bike.
- 7/31/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Reubens, the comedic actor best known for playing Pee-wee Herman, died from cancer on Sunday night. He was 70.
In a statement posted on Instagram after his death, Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
His estate also wrote in the caption, saying that Pee-wee Herman believed in the “importance of kindness” and that he would live on forever as a “man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Reubens began his comedy career in the 1970s after joining the Groundlings, a live comedy troupe. In 1980, he started The Pee-wee Herman Show, which quickly gained a cult following. His character became iconic as a man-child with catchphrases like “I know you are,...
In a statement posted on Instagram after his death, Reubens wrote, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
His estate also wrote in the caption, saying that Pee-wee Herman believed in the “importance of kindness” and that he would live on forever as a “man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Reubens began his comedy career in the 1970s after joining the Groundlings, a live comedy troupe. In 1980, he started The Pee-wee Herman Show, which quickly gained a cult following. His character became iconic as a man-child with catchphrases like “I know you are,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens died in July 2023, leaving behind an incredible legacy as a children’s entertainer. While the public generally has good memories of Reubens, he had a scandal in the early 1990s that rocked his career. So, what was Paul Reubens’ net worth when he died? Here’s what to know.
What was Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens’ net worth when he died?
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens left behind a serious legacy and accrued a hefty net worth throughout his lifetime. Reubens’ net worth was reportedly $5 million when he died.
Fans of all ages know Pee-wee Herman. Reubens first introduced the character in 1978 while working with an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe known as The Groundlings. As for the name, “Pee-wee” came from the harmonica brand, and Reubens knew a boy named “Herman” growing up. Reubens created the character as a “bad comic,” as the actor himself had trouble remembering jokes.
What was Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens’ net worth when he died?
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens left behind a serious legacy and accrued a hefty net worth throughout his lifetime. Reubens’ net worth was reportedly $5 million when he died.
Fans of all ages know Pee-wee Herman. Reubens first introduced the character in 1978 while working with an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe known as The Groundlings. As for the name, “Pee-wee” came from the harmonica brand, and Reubens knew a boy named “Herman” growing up. Reubens created the character as a “bad comic,” as the actor himself had trouble remembering jokes.
- 7/31/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Hollywood stars are reacting to the the news of Paul Reubens’ death. The late actor known for playing Pee-wee Herman on stage, television and film died Monday at age 70. His death was announced on his official Facebook page revealing that the actor had cancer for years, a diagnosis he had not shared publicly.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
A statement from Reubens was also shared with the announcement, in which the late actor said,...
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
A statement from Reubens was also shared with the announcement, in which the late actor said,...
- 7/31/2023
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The late, great comedian Paul Reubens first started developing his popular Pee-wee Herman character while working for the Groundlings, a comedy troupe in Los Angeles. They famously encouraged comedians to invent wild, outsize characters that would provide comedy in any situation they entered. Reubens' Pee-wee character caught the attention of the local -- then the national -- comedy scene, leading to a long-running live show. Eventually, Pee-wee became the star of three feature films. Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" was released in 1985, Randal Kleiser's "Big Top Pee-wee" was released in 1988, and John Lee's "Pee-wee's Big Holiday" was released on Netflix in 2016.
The third of those films came after Reubens had experienced multiple career highs and lows, having starred in a hit TV series, then having retreated from the public eye in the 1990s because of a very public arrest. Reubens returned to film in a big way...
The third of those films came after Reubens had experienced multiple career highs and lows, having starred in a hit TV series, then having retreated from the public eye in the 1990s because of a very public arrest. Reubens returned to film in a big way...
- 7/31/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Comedy world figures Natasha Lyonne, Jimmy Kimmel and Paul Feig were among those paying tribute to “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” creator and star Paul Reubens Monday after his estate announced his passing that morning. Reubens died after a six-year private battle with cancer.
Tim Burton, who directed “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
“Paul Reubens was like no one else — a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Jimmy Kimmel tweeted. “He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
“Love you so much, Paul. One in all time,” wrote Natasha Lyonne, who...
Tim Burton, who directed “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news. “I’ll never forget how Paul helped me at the beginning of my career. It would not have happened without his support. He was a great artist. I’ll miss him.”
“Paul Reubens was like no one else — a brilliant and original comedian who made kids and their parents laugh at the same time,” Jimmy Kimmel tweeted. “He never forgot a birthday and shared his genuine delight for silliness with everyone he met. My family and I will miss him.”
“Love you so much, Paul. One in all time,” wrote Natasha Lyonne, who...
- 7/31/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens has died at age 70 after a private battle with cancer.
The star passed away on Sunday night, with the sad news being revealed on social media Monday.
A quote from Reubens read, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.
“I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman)
The caption confirmed, “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
The star passed away on Sunday night, with the sad news being revealed on social media Monday.
A quote from Reubens read, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years.
“I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman)
The caption confirmed, “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness.
“Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.
- 7/31/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
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