Jackass 5 must do one thing above all else

Few words, if any, have the same resonance as “Hello, my name is Johnny Knoxville, welcome to ‘Jackass.’ » For the generation that grew up in the 2000s, this meant a very specific type of entertainment that has never really been replicated. “Jackass” was and remains unique. Luckily, despite being in their 50s, Knoxville and the gang are returning for “Jackass 5.”

First announced on social media, Knoxville has confirmed that a new film will hit theaters in June. Variety has since claimed that it was indeed “Jackass 5”. It was reported in May 2022 that a new “Jackass” series was in preparation at Paramount+ thanks to the success of “Jackass Forever” at the box office. Now, it looks like plans have changed and, instead, we’ll be treated to another cinematic adventure filled with stunts, pranks, and guys being guys.

“Well, a wang dang and a hot fucking doodle, we’re starting the year off with a bang. We wanted to let you know that this summer, ‘Jackass’ is back!!” Knoxville wrote in the post. “We’ll see you in theaters June 26. More to come, but I wanted you to hear it first!!”

Knoxville previously claimed that “Jackass Forever” would be his “final contribution to the franchise”, but it seems that time has led him to change his mind. As exciting as this is for a lot of people, myself included, there’s one thing this new movie absolutely must do above all else: It’s truly time for Knoxville and the gang to pass the torch to a new generation of stars who can carry on their legacy.

“Jackass Forever” was the first installment in the franchise to hit theaters nearly a decade after 2013’s “Bad Grandpa.” It was also the first film with the full “Jackass” cast since the 2010s. “Jackass 3D,” which crowns a very satisfying trilogy for fans. Yes, it brought back the core group, including Steve-O, Wee Man, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Danger Ehren and Preston Lacy. But most importantly, the film added new, younger talent to the roster.

Poopies, Zach Holmes, Eric Manaka, Jasper and Rachel Wolfson all joined the “Jackass” family as cast members of “Jackass Forever”. It was a mix of old and new, with the new cast members following the old guard throughout the film. It was delightful to see Ehren being tortured again and, yes, it was still funny to see Steve-O hurt. At the same time, the guys aren’t getting any younger and they wisely recognized the value of bringing some fresh blood into the mix.

Some of the funniest and best bits in “Jackass Forever” came from the new crew. The turds hilariously declared, “If we get bitten, we die” during the “Silence of the Lambs” prank. Wolfson licked a Taser and let a scorpion sting his lips. Holmes inflicted more pain on himself than any other actor except Johnny Knoxville (who had to reconsider his career after the “Magic Trick” stunt went horribly wrong).

As a long-time fan, I’m just as excited to see more of Poopies, Wolfson, and, God willing, Jasper’s father, Dark Shark, as I am England or Pontius. “Forever” was all about sharing the spotlight. This time, it will be more of a real changing of the guard.

Old people can’t do this forever, but “Jackass” has proven to be an enduring franchisewith a concept that can and must also belong to future generations. This is only possible if younger, slightly more capable bodies are made to endure what these films demand. At some point, one of these aging guys will do more than get hurt in the name of making us laugh. Nobody wants this to happen.

Jasper and Zach Holmes literally didn’t say no to anything in “Jackass Forever.” They have earned their place alongside the legends who made this franchise what it is. The new cast has definitely proven that this concept can survive beyond those who created it. That’s not to say Johnny Knoxville and the others can’t be involved in the future, but they’ve put their bodies through enough strain. At some point, watching 60 year olds do these things would be more sad than funny. No fan, myself included, wants it to get to this point.

What Knoxville and the rest of the gang gained was a real sunset ride. They deserve to emerge victorious. Try it at home Instagram has been making “Bring ‘Jackass’ Back” videos for over 80 days. They’re funny, for what it’s worth. They also show that audiences are still hungry for the energy and spirit of “Jackass.” It can and should go beyond the pioneers who gave us this brilliantly funny thing all those years ago.

You can’t replace the immortal words “Hello, my name is Johnny Knoxville, welcome to ‘Jackass’.” But the spirit of what these words embody can undoubtedly live on. It’s time to embrace the future.

“Jackass 5” hits theaters on June 26, 2026.