Johnny Knoxville, Jackass, Fear Factor, PopViewers.com
(Fox)

After years of speculation, injuries, and “is this really happening?” energy, Jackass is officially returning to movie theaters. Paramount has confirmed that a new Jackass film — widely being referred to as Jackass 5 — will hit theaters on June 26, 2026. Yes, that means new stunts, new bruises, and the same chaotic spirit that made the franchise a cultural lightning rod for over two decades.

At the center of it all once again is Johnny Knoxville, who appears to be having a genuine comeback moment — one that’s not just about nostalgia, but about reclaiming his place as one of entertainment’s most fearless personalities.

(Paramount Pictures)

A Franchise That Refuses to Die (Or Play It Safe)

The Jackass franchise has never followed traditional Hollywood rules. It didn’t start with prestige, critical acclaim, or a studio pedigree. It started with shopping carts, tasers, porta-potties, and an unspoken agreement that everyone involved was probably going to get hurt.

And yet, Jackass endured.

From its MTV roots in the early 2000s to multiple box office hits, the franchise has thrived on something rare: authenticity. The stunts were real. The pain was real. The laughter was earned. That’s why Jackass Forever in 2022 worked as well as it did — it wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It simply reminded audiences why the wheel was fun to begin with.

Now, with another theatrical installment on the way, the franchise is proving that its appeal isn’t limited to a single generation.

Johnny Knoxville’s Comeback Year Is No Accident

Johnny Knoxville has always been more than just the guy getting launched into the air by a bull. Over the years, he’s quietly built a career that spans comedy, acting, producing, and cultural relevance. Still, 2026 feels different. This year feels intentional.

In addition to leading the charge on the next Jackass movie, Knoxville is also stepping back into the spotlight as the host of Fox’s Fear Factor reboot. The move feels surprisingly perfect. If there’s anyone who understands fear, adrenaline, and the fine line between bravery and stupidity, it’s Knoxville.

Jackass, Fear Factor, Johnny Knoxville, PopViewers.com
(Fox)

Hosting Fear Factor isn’t just a gig — it’s a reminder of why audiences trust him in these spaces. He’s not a polished reality TV host pretending to be edgy. He’s lived this world. He knows what real risk looks like. That authenticity is exactly what made Fear Factor work the first time, and it’s why Knoxville’s involvement feels like a smart evolution rather than a gimmick.

Why Jackass Still Works in 2026

It would be easy to assume that Jackass belongs to a different era — one less concerned with safety standards, social media discourse, and think pieces. But that assumption misses the point.

Jackass has always been about consent, friendship, and shared stupidity. Everyone involved knows what they’re signing up for. There’s a weird kind of honesty in that. In an era where so much content feels overly curated or sanitized, Jackass remains refreshingly blunt.

People still want to laugh. They still want to gasp. And sometimes, they just want to watch grown adults do things they absolutely should not be doing.

What We Know (and Don’t Know) About the New Movie

Details about the new film are being kept tightly under wraps, which feels very on-brand. There’s no official word yet on which legacy cast members are returning, how much new blood will be involved, or what level of chaos audiences should expect. But if history tells us anything, it’s this: the stunts will be bigger, the consequences will be worse, and the laughs will come with a sharp inhale.

The decision to release the movie in theaters — instead of quietly sending it to streaming — also says a lot. Jackass is meant to be experienced with a crowd. It’s communal. The gasps, the laughter, the “oh no he didn’t” reactions are part of the experience.

(Paramount Pictures)

A Legacy Built on Pain, Trust, and Laughter

At its core, Jackass has always been about a group of friends pushing boundaries together. It’s dumb, sure. But it’s also weirdly sincere. That sincerity is what has kept Johnny Knoxville relevant long after similar shock-driven acts faded away.

With a new Jackass movie on the horizon and a high-profile TV hosting role bringing him back into weekly living rooms, Knoxville isn’t just revisiting his past — he’s reshaping it. This isn’t a victory lap. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most durable careers are built by people willing to fall down, get back up, and laugh at themselves the entire time.

Come June 2026, audiences will once again gather in theaters to watch chaos unfold. And somehow, against all odds, Jackass will still feel exactly like what it’s always been — reckless, ridiculous, and weirdly timeless.

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Passionate about the intersection of technology, media, and culture, Chris Witherspoon is the Founder/CEO of PopViewers. For the past ... More about Chris Witherspoon