Jackass to End with New Movie: Johnny Knoxville Confirms Final Film
After a quarter-century of stunts, pranks, and self-inflicted chaos, the Jackass franchise is drawing to a close. Johnny Knoxville, the co-creator and longtime star of the series, confirmed that the upcoming fifth installment, slated for release on , will be the last.
The announcement, initially made to Rolling Stone, brings an end to a cultural phenomenon that began as a hidden-camera television show on MTV in . What started as a group of friends pushing the boundaries of good taste and physical endurance quickly evolved into a multimedia empire encompassing four feature films, spin-offs like Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, and countless compilations of outtakes.
Knoxville revealed his decision wasn’t taken lightly. “This is the natural place to end,” he told the magazine, adding with characteristic self-deprecation, “So it’s going to be absolutely awful.” The comment hints at a final film designed to be as relentlessly chaotic and uncomfortable as the series has always been, a fitting send-off for a franchise built on embracing the absurd.
The journey from MTV to the big screen wasn’t without its evolution. The early days of Jackass were defined by guerilla-style filmmaking and a raw, unfiltered energy. The films, beginning with Jackass: The Movie in , allowed for larger-scale stunts and a broader canvas for the crew’s brand of physical comedy. Jackass Forever, released in after a decade-long hiatus, proved the enduring appeal of the franchise, bringing back core members like Knoxville and Steve-O alongside a new generation of performers.
The new film promises a mix of familiar faces and fresh blood. Alongside the returning veterans, performers like Eric Manaka, Zach Holmes, Rachel Wolfson, and Sean “Poopies” McInerney are expected to contribute to the mayhem. There’s also speculation surrounding the potential inclusion of Bam Margera, with reports suggesting that previously unseen footage featuring the former cast member may be incorporated into the final cut. TMZ reported that producers reached out to Margera’s team last year to discuss his potential involvement.
Knoxville’s announcement comes after he previously hinted at stepping back from the most dangerous stunts. In , he revealed he had suffered a brain hemorrhage while filming Jackass Forever, leading him to consider retirement from “big stunts.” Despite this, he clearly felt compelled to return for one last hurrah, albeit with a recognition that the physical toll of the series is unsustainable.
The cultural impact of Jackass extends beyond its shock value. The franchise fostered a unique sense of camaraderie and a willingness to embrace vulnerability, even in the midst of extreme physical challenges. As NME’s review of Jackass Forever noted, there’s a “kindness and companionship – and freedom” to the series that resonates with audiences. The films tapped into a desire for unfiltered authenticity and a rejection of conventional entertainment norms.
While Knoxville’s departure marks the end of an era, the legacy of Jackass is secure. The franchise’s influence can be seen in countless imitators and its enduring popularity speaks to a timeless appeal. The final film promises to be a fittingly chaotic and heartfelt farewell to a group of performers who redefined the boundaries of comedy and physical endurance. Knoxville’s own words suggest a bittersweet sentiment: a recognition that it’s time to move on, but also a sense of pride in what the crew has accomplished over the past 26 years.
The question now turns to what Knoxville will pursue next. He alluded to having “been thinking about” what he’ll “do with my ideas” once Jackass is over, leaving fans to speculate about his future projects. For now, however, the focus remains on delivering one last dose of mayhem and mayhem and a final, unforgettable Jackass experience.