Paul Reubens Starred In The TV Spin-Off Of A Cult Classic Sci-Fi Disney Franchise

Disney's "Tron" was banned from the Oscars for cheating on its special effects, but the controversy didn't keep the franchise down. The cult sci-fi film ultimately spawned a franchise that's lasted into the 21st century, but it hasn't always been successful. For example, the Jared Leto-starring "Tron: Ares" flopped at the box office before finding a new audience on streaming. Elsewhere, the animated series "Tron: Uprising" didn't enjoy long-term success on the screen, despite featuring Paul Reubens' voice talents.

"Tron: Uprising" takes place between the events of the first two "Tron" movies and follows Beck (Elijah Wood), a young mechanic from Argon City who leads a rebellion against the tyrannical General Tesler (Lance Henriksen). Reubens voices Pavel, Tesler's power-hungry second-in-command who has his own ulterior motives. While Reubens is primarily known for playing child-friendly heroes like Pee-Wee Herman, he has excelled in villainous roles.

Superhero fans probably recall his performances as Tucker Cobblepot, aka Penguin's dad, in "Batman Returns" and "Gotham." He was also a Disney animation veteran prior to "Tron: Uprising" – like the time he voiced a sentient spaceship in the '80s sci-fi classic "Flight of the Navigator." "Tron: Legacy" made great use of his talents, and it seems that Reubens viewed Pavel as one of his more twisted roles.

Paul Reubens was no stranger to playing villains heading into "Tron: Uprising." However, he believed that Pavel was even more insidious than some of the other baddies he's played throughout the years. Pavel is the type of guy who will step over anyone to get ahead, but one can't fault his ambitions.

"Pavel's like a hideous, horrible, throw you in front of a bus in two seconds, watch your back kind of guy," Reubens told ComicsOnline. "Who's probably the most dangerous type of person because he's jealous and feels not appreciated, and that he's better than his contemporary Paige [Emmanuelle Chriqui], and his boss, Tesler."

Sadly, Pavel didn't get the chance to realize his full potential, as "Tron: Uprising" was canceled after one season due to a lack of viewers — at least not enough to appease Disney. Fans would have undoubtedly loved to have heard Reubens voice the villain for years to come, but it wasn't meant to be.