Layla Zulfa
Los Angeles, CA – May 24, 2026 – After a quarter-century of pushing boundaries, enduring unspeakable pain, and cementing its place as a unique cultural phenomenon, the Jackass saga is poised for its definitive conclusion. On June 26, 2026, the fifth and, by all accounts, truly final film, Jackass: Best and Last, will crash into theaters, bringing an end to the wild ride that began on MTV 26 years ago.
At the helm, as he has been since the very first outrageous stunt, is director Jeff Tremaine. For Tremaine, this concluding chapter is not merely another film; it’s an emotional journey, a comprehensive look back, and a heartfelt send-off. In a candid interview with Polygon as part of their Summer Preview Package, Tremaine offered insights into the making of this swan song, discussing the film’s innovative new (robotic) cast member and the poignant efforts made to include original crew members Ryan Dunn and Bam Margera. The revelations confirm that Jackass: Best and Last aims to be both a celebration of its past and a final, spectacular hurrah.
A Legacy of Anarchy: The Jackass Phenomenon
The journey of Jackass began in October 2000, exploding onto MTV screens with a raw, unhinged energy that defied conventional television. Conceived by Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine, and Spike Jonze, the show featured a motley crew of daredevils, pranksters, and masochists performing outrageous stunts and elaborate pranks, often at their own peril or the expense of an unsuspecting public. It was a potent cocktail of slapstick, gross-out humor, and genuine camaraderie, quickly garnering a cult following and simultaneously attracting controversy for its dangerous antics.
Despite its brief original run, the show’s impact was undeniable, leading to a successful transition to the big screen. Jackass: The Movie (2002) proved that the franchise could thrive beyond cable television, followed by Jackass Number Two (2006) and Jackass 3D (2010). Each film escalated the stakes, introducing more elaborate stunts and cementing the cast members—Knoxville, Steve-O, Wee Man, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Danger Ehren, Bam Margera, and Ryan Dunn—as unlikely superstars. The 2022 release, Jackass Forever, which many believed would be the final installment, showcased a blend of original cast members and new blood, demonstrating the enduring appeal and surprising longevity of the Jackass brand.
Now, Jackass: Best and Last promises to synthesize this rich history, offering fans a comprehensive and emotionally charged final chapter that both looks back at the franchise’s most iconic moments and pushes new, albeit potentially final, boundaries.
Behind the Camera: Jeff Tremaine’s Enduring Vision
Jeff Tremaine has been the steadfast directorial force behind every Jackass incarnation, from its humble beginnings on MTV to its global cinematic reach. His vision has been crucial in maintaining the anarchic spirit while navigating the complex logistical and safety challenges inherent in such a production. For Tremaine, the making of Jackass: Best and Last has been deeply personal.
"It’s been an emotional journey for director Jeff Tremaine, who has been the Jackass director since the beginning, including every Jackass film," the Polygon article notes, underscoring his deep connection to the project and its cast. This final film is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Jackass ethos.
A significant portion of Jackass: Best and Last will comprise never-before-seen archival footage, a treasure trove for long-time fans. Tremaine revealed that approximately half of the movie will feature new material, while the other half will be drawn from the vast Jackass archives. However, this isn’t simply a rehash of old clips.
"With all the archival stuff, we went back in and we looked at everything and added new shots that have never been seen," Tremaine explained. "We tried to look at everything with new eyes. There’s a bunch of things that have never been seen, whether we were not allowed to or we never aired them for some reason."
One particular highlight from the archival selections is a segment titled "The Convict." Tremaine recounted, "We shot this bit a long time ago that was never allowed to air on TV. We called it ‘The Convict,’ where Johnny Knoxville is dressed up as an escaped convict wearing an orange jumpsuit with handcuffs on and he goes into a hardware store and tries to borrow a hacksaw to cut them off." The inability to air such a seemingly innocuous prank in the early 2000s speaks volumes about the then-prevailing television standards and Jackass‘s consistent push against them. Its inclusion now, more than two decades later, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the early, unfiltered days of the crew and the challenges they faced in getting their brand of humor to the public. "Getting that one to finally be seen by the public is pretty cool and it’s very nostalgic because we shot it back in early 2000," Tremaine added, highlighting the personal significance of these unearthed moments.
Honoring the Fallen and the Faltering: Ryan Dunn and Bam Margera’s Return
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Jackass: Best and Last is the deliberate effort to include two foundational members of the crew whose journeys have been marked by tragedy and struggle: Ryan Dunn and Bam Margera. Their presence, even if primarily through archival footage, underscores the film’s role as a comprehensive retrospective and a heartfelt tribute.
Ryan Dunn, known for his infectious laugh, daredevil stunts, and a generally affable demeanor, tragically passed away in a car accident in 2011 at the age of 34. His death sent shockwaves through the Jackass family and its global fanbase. Dunn was an integral part of the crew, famous for stunts like the "Poo Cocktail Supreme" and the "Human Cannonball," as well as his chemistry with Bam Margera on Viva La Bam. His inclusion in Best and Last serves as a powerful and emotional tribute, allowing fans to remember and celebrate his unique contributions to the franchise. For many, seeing Dunn on screen again, even in archival form, will be a bittersweet reminder of his spirited presence and the deep bond he shared with his fellow cast members. His enduring legacy as a beloved member of the Jackass family will undoubtedly resonate throughout this final film.
The inclusion of Bam Margera presents a more complex narrative. Margera, a skateboarder and professional prankster, was a central figure in the early Jackass days and later headlined his own successful spin-off, Viva La Bam. However, his life has been publicly plagued by severe struggles with addiction and mental health, leading to numerous legal issues and strained relationships with the Jackass team. These challenges famously led to his contentious departure from Jackass Forever during production, sparking public feuds and legal battles.
Tremaine addressed Margera’s inclusion with careful consideration: "Bam signed off on his old stuff so we got all that in there and even some stuff he shot with us for the last movie that we didn’t put in. So there’s some unseen Bam stuff and lots of Ryan. It’s got everybody." This statement is significant, indicating that Margera has provided his consent for his older material to be used, and even some unreleased footage from Jackass Forever will see the light of day. This suggests an effort towards reconciliation and a desire to acknowledge Margera’s foundational role in the franchise, even amidst his ongoing personal battles. For fans who have followed Margera’s tumultuous journey, his presence in Best and Last will undoubtedly evoke a mixture of nostalgia for his peak performances and a poignant reflection on the human cost of the Jackass lifestyle for some. It reinforces the idea that this final film is a holistic look at the entire Jackass family, acknowledging both its triumphs and its tribulations.
Enter Larry: The Robotic Newcomer
In a bold move that demonstrates the Jackass crew’s continued willingness to innovate and find new avenues for absurd pain, Jackass: Best and Last introduces a robotic cast member named Larry. This unexpected addition adds a futuristic, albeit equally unsettling, dimension to the franchise’s repertoire of stunts.
The genesis of Larry the robot came from Johnny Knoxville himself. "Knoxville wanted to have a robot cast member," Tremaine revealed. This desire for something genuinely new led to the creation of Larry, who is brought to life through the voice talents of comedian Adam Ray.
Larry’s inaugural stunt is as outlandish as any Jackass classic: a prostate exam performed by the robot itself. "Then one of the guys who ran the robot came up with the idea to give a cast member a prostate exam using this robot," Tremaine explained, highlighting the collaborative and often perverse brainstorming process. The comedic genius, or perhaps horror, of the stunt lies in the robot’s design. "The hand that it was able to do the prostate exam with is not a good hand for a prostate exam, meaning that the fingers were a little larger and not the right shape." This anatomical inaccuracy, combined with the sterile, unfeeling nature of a machine, promises a uniquely uncomfortable and hilarious experience. "So we did that and it turned out to be one of the funniest things we filmed," Tremaine affirmed.
Beyond the specific stunt, Larry quickly developed a distinct personality. "Yeah, he’s kind of a jerk," Tremaine noted, crediting Adam Ray’s voice work for shaping the robot’s character. "Comedian Adam Ray did the voice and that robot is mean. The robot’s creepy, man. When he walks up to you, it’s very strange and you can’t trust that thing. I didn’t like him." Larry’s "creepy jerk" persona adds a fresh layer of comedic menace, showcasing the franchise’s ability to evolve its comedic instruments, even if it means introducing an emotionless, metallic tormentor. This integration of technology represents a new frontier for Jackass, demonstrating that even in their final act, they are still seeking novel ways to inflict and endure discomfort for entertainment.
The Definitive Farewell: Why "Best and Last" Truly Means Goodbye
The concept of a "final" Jackass film is not new. Indeed, after Jackass Number Two, Jackass 3D, and even Jackass Forever, there were murmurs and even explicit statements that each could be the last. However, Jeff Tremaine’s conviction regarding Jackass: Best and Last carries a different weight.
"I think all of them were thought to be the last ones, but this is the first time where I’m actually saying, ‘Yes, it is the last one.’ I believe it this time, whereas all the other times I was always a little leery," Tremaine stated emphatically. This definitive tone suggests a profound shift in perspective for the director and likely the entire cast.
When pressed on how he knows this is truly the end, Tremaine offered a simple yet resonant explanation: "It just feels like it’s time. I don’t know, it’s just a feeling. I think this movie wraps up the franchise in the way we would want it to." This sentiment speaks to a natural conclusion, a sense of having explored every possible avenue of pain, laughter, and camaraderie.
Several factors likely contribute to this definitive decision. The physical toll of the stunts on an aging cast is undeniable. Johnny Knoxville, now in his mid-fifties, and many of his compatriots have endured countless injuries over the decades, from concussions to broken bones. The human body can only take so much, and the escalating severity of Jackass stunts inevitably pushes those limits. Furthermore, the changing landscape of media, audience expectations, and even increased safety regulations might make it challenging to maintain the raw, unscripted anarchy that defined Jackass in its prime. To conclude the series on a high note, with the core team still capable of delivering compelling new content and honoring their past, feels like a strategic and emotionally intelligent choice. It allows the franchise to end on its own terms, rather than fading away or being forced into a conclusion.
The Enduring Legacy of Jackass
As Jackass: Best and Last prepares to hit theaters, it marks not just the end of a film series, but the conclusion of a cultural phenomenon that has spanned over two decades. The legacy of Jackass is multifaceted and complex. It revolutionized reality television, proving that a group of friends performing dangerous and absurd stunts could captivate a global audience. It blurred the lines between comedy, performance art, and genuine risk, often inspiring both awe and outrage.
Beyond the stunts, Jackass was always about the unique bond between its cast members. Their genuine camaraderie, loyalty, and willingness to endure pain for each other’s amusement (and the audience’s) formed the emotional core of the franchise. This final film, with its mix of never-before-seen footage and poignant inclusions of Ryan Dunn and Bam Margera, aims to celebrate that enduring spirit one last time.
Jackass: Best and Last will serve as a definitive statement on the franchise’s impact and its place in pop culture history. It’s a bittersweet farewell to a group of individuals who defied expectations, embraced the absurd, and consistently pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable entertainment. As the shopping cart ride finally comes to a halt, fans will undoubtedly reflect on the laughter, the gasps, and the indelible mark Jackass has left on the world of extreme comedy. The film is poised to be not just a final collection of stunts, but a eulogy, a celebration, and a testament to an era of anarchy that will likely never be replicated.
Jackass: Best and Last releases in theaters on June 26, 2026.
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