Fans of the audacious, the absurd, and the downright dangerous can finally exhale: the Jackass crew is officially back. On January 8, 2026, ringleader Johnny Knoxville lit up social media with a jubilant Instagram post, confirming that a brand new Jackass film is slated to crash into theaters on June 26, 2026. “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, igniting a wave of excitement that has swept across the fanbase.
This announcement, swiftly corroborated by major entertainment outlets like Variety, Deadline, and IGN, signals an unexpected but highly anticipated return for the franchise. It’s been four years since 2022’s Jackass Forever, a film many believed to be the crew’s grand finale. Yet, the appetite for their unique brand of physical comedy, daring stunts, and genuine camaraderie appears to be as insatiable as ever, both for the performers and their loyal audience. Paramount Pictures, the long-standing distributor, is clearly banking on this enduring appeal, positioning the new Jackass movie as one of its ten confirmed titles in an ambitious plan to release 15 films in 2026.
The Enduring Legacy of Mayhem: From MTV to Global Phenomenon
The story of Jackass is one of improbable success, born from a blend of skate culture, punk rock ethos, and a fearless disregard for personal safety. It all began in October 2000 as a low-budget, high-octane MTV series, masterminded by Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine, and Spike Jonze. The show’s raw energy, hidden-camera pranks, and a willingness for its cast to endure self-inflicted mayhem quickly carved out a niche, establishing itself as a cultural touchstone and spawning numerous imitators. It wasn’t just about the shock value; it was about the palpable friendship and the infectious laughter that permeated every absurd situation.
The transition to the silver screen proved to be a lucrative one. Jackass: The Movie debuted in 2002, demonstrating that the crew’s antics could scale up for a theatrical audience. This was followed by a string of successful sequels: Jackass Number Two (2006), Jackass 3D (2010), and the aforementioned Jackass Forever (2022). Beyond the main cinematic releases, the franchise expanded with bonus features like Jackass 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5, offering fans deeper dives into unused footage and behind-the-scenes moments. The character-driven spin-off, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013), even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, showcasing the unexpected breadth of their creative endeavors. Collectively, these films have grossed over $416 million worldwide, a testament to the franchise’s global reach and unwavering popularity, as reported by Deadline.
Faces Old and New: Who’s Joining Knoxville’s Wild Ride?
As with any returning beloved franchise, one of the biggest questions swirling around the new film centers on its cast. While Johnny Knoxville’s return as the charismatic ringleader is a given, details about other returning members or potential new faces remain tightly under wraps. The original core group—Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, Preston Lacy, and Jason “Wee Man” Acuña—became household names, celebrated for their extraordinary willingness to brave pain and public humiliation for a laugh. Their collective dedication forged a bond that resonates deeply with viewers.
Jackass Forever introduced a new generation of stunt performers, including Zach Holmes, Sean “Poopies” McInerney, Jasper Dolphin, Eric Manaka, and Rachel Wolfson. These fresh faces brought renewed energy and, inevitably, fresh injuries, ensuring the franchise’s spirit of reckless abandon continued. It remains to be seen how many of these newer additions will rejoin the ranks for the 2026 installment.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges and heartbreaks. Ryan Dunn, an integral and beloved member of the original cast, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2011. His absence has been profoundly felt, and subsequent films have respectfully paid tribute to his memory, acknowledging the irreplaceable impact he had on the group’s dynamic and the franchise’s heart. These moments of solemn reflection, amidst the chaos, have given Jackass a rare sense of authenticity.
Another notable absence has been Bam Margera, a key figure in the early years of the franchise. Margera was not featured in Jackass Forever due to a breach of a ‘wellness agreement’ related to substance use, which subsequently led to legal disputes with Paramount, Knoxville, and Spike Jonze. Though a settlement was reached in 2022, Margera’s public comments, such as, “You couldn’t offer me enough money to want to do another Jackass with them. The damage has been done,” suggest a continued estrangement. His potential involvement in the upcoming film remains highly unlikely, underscoring the personal tolls that can accompany such a high-stakes form of entertainment.
The Unbreakable Formula: Why ‘Jackass’ Still Resonates
What is it about the Jackass formula that keeps it so potent, even after more than two decades? According to an analysis by Nerdtropolis, it’s a unique blend of unwavering commitment, genuine friendship, and shock comedy, all delivered with just enough self-awareness to prevent it from veering into mean-spirited territory. The stunts are, by design, ridiculously elaborate and often painful, but the laughter they elicit is real, and the camaraderie among the crew is undeniably infectious. These aren’t just performers; they are a family, albeit one that expresses affection through physical torment.
As Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman eloquently 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.” This perspective captures the defiant spirit of a group that refuses to let age dampen their zest for outrageousness.
While the specific title and content of the upcoming film remain under wraps, fans can undoubtedly anticipate more of the death-defying, laugh-out-loud moments that have become the franchise’s hallmark. Whether it involves Knoxville facing down another bull, as he did in the last outing, sustaining a brain hemorrhage and broken ribs, or the crew concocting entirely new ways to shock and amuse, the core ethos of Jackass remains steadfast: push the limits, laugh at yourself, and never take life – or pain – too seriously.
Adding to his busy schedule, Johnny Knoxville is also set to host Fox’s reboot of Fear Factor: The Next Chapter. This new iteration promises a fresh twist on the classic format, incorporating a remote setting and a strategic social element. Knoxville’s involvement in such a project further solidifies his status as a master of the outrageous and a performer consistently willing to venture where others fear to tread. It highlights his enduring appeal beyond the Jackass universe.
As June 26, 2026, draws nearer, anticipation is building. Paramount has set the stage, Knoxville has sounded the call, and audiences around the globe are eagerly awaiting to see what the Jackass gang has concocted this time. One thing is certain: in a world often too serious, nobody delivers this particular brand of chaotic, heartwarming entertainment quite like Jackass.
The return of Jackass, even after previous films were touted as farewells, speaks volumes about the unique, almost therapeutic catharsis it offers. It’s not merely a series of stunts; it’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the human capacity for finding humor in the face of self-inflicted peril, proving that some comedic formulas, no matter how outlandish, possess an unexpectedly timeless appeal.