Four decades on, a lot has changed. Reubens returned for a Burton-less sequel, 1988’s “Big Top Pee-wee,” that failed to hit the same heights as its predecessor.

While the 1988 “Big Top Pee-wee” was his circus-themed passion project, it flopped (rent it on iTunes and Amazon), though his Christmas special that same year was a hit and featured incredible ...

As 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' turns 40, IndieWire talks to Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, and more about the Paul Reubens classic's ...

In 2016, Reubens co-wrote and starred in Netflix’s “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” a sequel to 1988’s “Big Top,” which would serve as Reubens’ final film role before his death.