The curtain is about to fall on one of the most notorious and beloved franchises in entertainment history – Jackass: Best And Last is set to hit screens this week, marking the end of an era that began 26 years ago with MTV's outrageous and unforgettable series. The final film promises a jaw-dropping blend of never-before-seen stunts from the archives and brand-new, death-defying acts that will leave audiences gasping for more.
Directed by Jeff Tremaine, who co-created the original series alongside Johnny Knoxville and Spike Jonze, this swan song promises to deliver. All the familiar faces are back – Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason 'Wee Man' Acuña, and more – for what's being billed as their ultimate on-screen adventure. Trailers have teased some truly audacious acts: think a robot-assisted rectal exam and an 'escape room from hell', all served with the trademark Jackass brand of anarchic humour.
The main reason behind this decision to bring the curtain down is the advancing age of the cast – stuntmen, it seems, do have an expiration date. Johnny Knoxville put it bluntly: "stuntmen and milk both have an expiration date, and I feel like it's time to stop." He also acknowledged the cast's age with a wry quip: "I don't know about wiser," a nod to the inherent risks involved in this brand of entertainment.
The Jackass franchise has always been about pushing boundaries – sometimes literally. Injuries have been an unfortunate recurring theme throughout its history, and Knoxville himself suffered a nasty concussion and brain haemorrhage during the filming of 'Jackass Forever' (2022). He declared that he could no longer undertake stunts that carried the risk of further concussions, highlighting the escalating danger and physical limitations that come with age in this demanding profession.
From its cult MTV series beginnings to its big-screen successes, Jackass has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Its filmography includes 'Jackass: The Movie', 'Jackass Number Two', 'Jackass 3D', and the critically acclaimed 'Jackass Forever'. That last one was praised by NME for its "pure, prank-filled fun" and its underlying sense of "kindness and companionship", suggesting that beyond the shock value, there's an enduring appeal to the camaraderie of the crew.
'Jackass: Best And Last' lands in cinemas worldwide on June 26th, courtesy of Paramount Pictures. UK streaming details are still up in the air for this new release, but previous Jackass films have typically become available on platforms like Paramount+ or through digital rental services after their theatrical runs. While the franchise may not be recognised by industry bodies like BAFTA or the Brit Awards, it's undeniably left its mark on global entertainment.