Fans of outrageous stunts, wild pranks, and unfiltered camaraderie—brace yourselves. The Jackass crew, led by the ever-resilient Johnny Knoxville, is officially set to return to theaters with a brand new film, slated for release on June 26, 2026. The announcement, made on January 8, 2026, via a jubilant Instagram post from Knoxville himself, has already whipped up a frenzy among longtime followers and newcomers alike. "Well a wang dang and hot damn doodle, we are starting the year off with a bang. We wanted to let you know that this summer Jackass is back!! We will see you in theatres June 26th. More to come but wanted you to hear it from us first!!" Knoxville wrote, capturing the irreverent spirit that has defined the franchise for over two decades.
This latest installment, confirmed by multiple outlets including Variety, Deadline, and IGN, marks the first Jackass movie since 2022’s Jackass Forever. That film, initially billed as the crew’s last hurrah, saw Knoxville and his band of daredevils—now well into middle age—pushing the boundaries of slapstick and physical comedy in ways that left audiences howling (and occasionally wincing). Four years later, it seems the appetite for chaos hasn’t waned, either for the cast or their legion of fans.
The Jackass phenomenon began as a low-budget, high-octane MTV series in October 2000, masterminded by Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine, and Spike Jonze. The show’s blend of skate-video energy, hidden-camera antics, and self-inflicted mayhem quickly set it apart, launching a wave of imitators and cementing its place in pop culture. The transition to the big screen came in 2002 with Jackass: The Movie, followed by a string of sequels and spin-offs that have collectively earned more than $416 million worldwide, according to Deadline.
The main theatrical films—Jackass: The Movie (2002), Jackass Number Two (2006), Jackass 3D (2010), and Jackass Forever (2022)—have been supplemented by bonus features like Jackass 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 (compilations of unused footage and behind-the-scenes moments) and the character-driven spinoff Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013). Each entry has managed to capture that elusive mix of danger, absurdity, and genuine friendship that keeps viewers coming back for more.
Paramount Pictures, which has distributed the franchise since its cinematic inception, is banking on Jackass’s enduring appeal as part of its ambitious plan to release 15 movies in 2026. As Deadline notes, the Jackass film is one of ten titles already confirmed for the year, with the studio aiming to ramp up its theatrical slate. The return of Jackass is not just a nostalgia trip—it’s a calculated bet on the power of spectacle and the loyalty of a fanbase that’s grown up (sort of) alongside its stars.
One of the biggest questions swirling around the new film is the cast lineup. While Johnny Knoxville is all but certain to reprise his role as ringleader, details about other returning (or new) faces remain under wraps. The franchise’s original core—Steve-O, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Ryan Dunn, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, Preston Lacy, and Jason “Wee Man” Acuña—became household names thanks to their willingness to endure pain and humiliation for the sake of a laugh. Over time, the circle expanded, with Jackass Forever introducing Zach Holmes, Sean “Poopies” McInerney, Jasper Dolphin, Eric Manaka, and Rachel Wolfson, bringing fresh energy (and fresh injuries) to the mix.
Yet, not all of the original crew are expected to return. Bam Margera, a key figure in the franchise’s early years, is unlikely to appear in the upcoming film. Margera’s absence from Jackass Forever stemmed from a breach of a “wellness agreement” related to substance use, followed by legal disputes with Paramount, Knoxville, and Spike Jonze. Margera later commented, “You couldn’t offer me enough money to want to do another Jackass with them. The damage has been done.” A settlement was reached in 2022, but the wounds—at least publicly—seem to have not fully healed.
The Jackass crew has also faced real losses. Ryan Dunn, one of the original members, died in a car accident in 2011. Subsequent films have paid tribute to his memory, acknowledging the impact he had on the group’s dynamic and the franchise’s heart. The willingness to address both triumph and tragedy has given Jackass a sense of authenticity rare in reality-based entertainment.
What keeps the Jackass formula so potent, even after all these years? According to Nerdtropolis, it’s the blend of commitment, friendship, and shock comedy—delivered with just enough self-awareness to keep things from feeling mean-spirited. The stunts are ridiculous, yes, but the laughter is real, and the camaraderie is infectious. As Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman put it in his review of Jackass Forever, “Johnny Knoxville is now 50, Steve-O and Chris Pontius are 47, Dave England is 52, Wee Man is 48, but they and the rest of the team have not slacked off in their mission to create what are basically the world’s most stupidly elaborate frat-house hazing stunts, and to stage them with a juvenile masochistic fervor that lies somewhere between psychotic and religious. That they’re still at it in middle age is to say that these dudes are no longer just Jackassing. They’re fighting for their right to party. They’re raging against the dying of the balls.”
While the upcoming film’s title and specific content remain unconfirmed, fans can expect more of the death-defying, laugh-out-loud moments that have defined the franchise. Whether it’s Knoxville facing down a bull (as he did in the last outing, sustaining a brain hemorrhage and broken ribs), or the crew concocting new ways to shock and amuse, the Jackass ethos remains unchanged: push the limits, laugh at yourself, and never take life—or pain—too seriously.
Adding to Knoxville’s busy year, he’s also stepping into a new role as the host of Fox’s Fear Factor: The Next Chapter. The reboot promises a fresh twist on the classic format, introducing a remote setting and a social strategy angle. Knoxville’s involvement is a nod to his status as a master of the outrageous and a testament to his enduring appeal as a performer willing to do what others won’t.
For now, anticipation is building as June 26 draws closer. Paramount has set the stage, Knoxville has sounded the call, and audiences everywhere are ready to see what the Jackass gang has up their sleeves—or up their sleeves, down their pants, or wherever else their wild imaginations might take them. One thing’s for sure: nobody does it quite like Jackass.
With the franchise’s trademark mix of danger, laughter, and heart, the upcoming film promises to be a must-see event for fans old and new. The only thing left to find out is who’s brave (or foolish) enough to join Knoxville when the cameras start rolling again.
