The final installment of the Jackass franchise, "Jackass: Best and Last," is being described as a poignant look back at the iconic crew's career. The film, which hits theaters on June 26th, serves as both a sequel to 2022's "Jackass Forever" and a comprehensive clip show, with roughly half its runtime dedicated to new stunts and the other half to archival footage, including previously unreleased material. Johnny Knoxville, 55, largely takes a backseat in the new stunts due to a severe brain hemorrhage and cognitive decline suffered after being gored by a bull during the filming of "Jackass Forever." This injury marked a turning point, making it clear that Knoxville could no longer participate in the larger, more dangerous stunts.
Knoxville's decision to conclude the franchise, after nearly 26 years, was difficult but necessary, driven by his inability to continue performing high-risk stunts and his desire to avoid putting his family through the stress of such injuries again. While he found it challenging to be a "master of ceremonies" rather than a direct participant, he acknowledged it was time. Longtime cast member Steve-O, 52, who was prepared to be "gnarlier than ever" in this final film, performed stunts like a laxative-induced game and a robot-administered prostate exam, which he used to advocate for prostate health and colonoscopies, framing the "art" in the context of middle age and important cancer screenings.
The film is praised for its underlying themes of enduring male friendships and a surprisingly wholesome, non-mean-spirited approach despite the outrageous stunts. It also revisits moments with late cast member Ryan Dunn, who died in a car crash in 2011, adding another layer of emotion. The final day of shooting was filled with tears, hugs, and gratitude, with Knoxville himself weeping as he called "wrap" on the last scene. For Steve-O, the movie was an "unexpected bonus," and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue the franchise beyond what he thought was its previous end.
