Jackass 5 Trailer Premiered as Johnny Knoxville Confirms Franchise Finale
Johnny Knoxville, the co-creator and star of the iconic slapstick comedy series, has officially unveiled the first trailer for Jackass: Best and Last. The revelation took place during the closing day of CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where Knoxville emotionally announced that this fifth installment will mark the definitive end of the long-running franchise.
Knoxville's Emotional Announcement at CinemaCon
Addressing the audience at the Las Vegas movie convention, the 55-year-old professional prankster introduced himself with a poignant statement. "My name is Johnny Knoxville, and I'm going to try to not get emotional," he said, as reported by Variety. "This is the last Jackass film the world will ever see. Jackass means a hell of a lot for me." Knoxville emphasised that the team was acutely aware they were crafting the final chapter, prompting them to push their limits. "We knew we were making the last one, so we went extra hard to make sure this was also our best Jackass film ever."
Trailer Content and Cast Details
The newly released trailer reportedly blends archival footage with fresh, outrageous stunts, showcasing the series' signature blend of humour and daring. Highlights include Knoxville undergoing a prostate exam performed by a robot named Larry, and Sean "Poopies" McInerney attaching a shock collar to his penis. The film will feature the return of nearly all original cast members, who have been with the franchise since its inception as a three-season MTV reality stunt show. The returning stars are:
- Johnny Knoxville
- Steve-O
- Chris Pontius
- Dave England
- Jason "Wee Man" Acuña
- "Danger" Ehren McGhehey
- Preston Lacy
Co-creators Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze are also set to return. This new entry follows Jackass Forever from 2022, which introduced newcomers such as McInerney, Jasper Dolphin, Eric Manaka, and Rachel Wolfson.
Bam Margera's Absence and Legal Disputes
Notably absent from the final film is Bam Margera, one of the original stuntmen. Margera was fired from the fourth film due to an alleged breach of contract linked to his documented struggles with drug and alcohol use. In January, he claimed he was not invited to participate in Jackass: Best and Last, stating he missed out on an expected $5 million paycheck as a result.
Margera expressed his frustration to TMZ, detailing the personal and financial toll. "If you had a laundry list of the chain of horrible events of the two years of Covid that they put me through, spending my own money at an alarming rate for therapists, doctors and treatment and all this, only to sit me down and tell me you're not in the movie and you're not getting $5 million," he fumed. In 2021, Margera filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Knoxville, Tremaine, Jonze, Paramount Pictures, and MTV Networks, alleging he was coerced into signing a wellness agreement while in rehab. He dropped the lawsuit a year later after reaching a private settlement.
Reflecting on the experience, Margera told TMZ, "I have a lot of PTSD from it all, and you know, having the title of 'Ex-Jackass star Bam Margera,' I have to live with that. The humiliation, the abandonment and just embarrassment of it all, I had to let it go." He added that he does not expect to film new content for the final film, but supports the use of old footage.
Release Date and Franchise Legacy
Jackass: Best and Last is scheduled for theatrical release on June 26, promising to deliver a fitting conclusion to a franchise that has captivated audiences with its daring stunts and comedic chaos for over two decades. Knoxville's declaration that this film represents the "natural place to end" underscores the team's commitment to going out on a high note, ensuring fans receive a memorable finale.
