The End of the Stunt Era
Director Jeff Tremaine has confirmed that Jackass: Best and Last is finished. After a 26-year run, Tremaine confirmed that the physical toll on Johnny Knoxville—specifically a traumatic brain injury sustained during the production of Jackass Forever—has made the series untenable.
A Price Paid in Concussions
The decision to retire the franchise stems from an incident on the set of Jackass Forever. A collision with a bull left Knoxville with a broken wrist and a traumatic brain injury. The film also reveals he had done a previous take in which he broke two ribs.
"He got a traumatic brain injury on that, and it became apparent we can’t hit him in the head anymore," Tremaine said. Now turning 60, Tremaine admits he is ready to move on, noting that the group’s longevity has already defied expectations.
Why the Chemistry Cannot Be Replicated
Though Jackass Forever introduced new and younger supporting cast members, Tremaine is adamant that the series cannot continue without the core original crew. He maintains that the success of the films was about the guys in it.
"We could get new people to come in, and there are gnarly people out there, for sure. But I would need to find a new gnarly me, too," Tremaine said. He views the franchise as a product of "magic"—a dynamic that would be hard to replicate with new talent.
A Final Look at the Partnership
The last shot in the last Jackass film features archival footage from 2002’s Jackass: The Movie. The clip shows Tremaine and Knoxville in a motel room, processing a day of filming that included a golf cart stunt which left the director fearing for his star’s life.
For Tremaine, the inclusion of that moment was essential to capture the weight of their bond. "It’s so funny because I had no recollection of a camera being on," Tremaine said. "It was just one of our producers was fishing through footage and saw that, and I really thought, ‘Man, that sums up so much of Johnny and I’s relationship.’"
The Legacy of Jackass
- Official Status: Director Jeff Tremaine has confirmed Jackass is finished, marking the end of a 26-year run.
- Safety Concerns: The decision was driven by Johnny Knoxville’s medical history, specifically a traumatic brain injury sustained from a bull stunt in Jackass Forever.
- No Reboot: Tremaine stated that the franchise’s identity is tied to the original cast and it would be hard to find that new magic.
- Legacy: The final film uses archival footage from the early 2000s to highlight the partnership between the director and the performer.