The final chapter of the Jackass franchise has arrived, but audiences didn't exactly rush to theaters for one last ride. Jackass: Best and Last opened to a disappointing $8 million domestically, marking the lowest debut in the series' history. The film, which brings back veterans Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O for a final round of painful stunts and pranks, failed to capture the same magic that made earlier installments box office hits.
For context, the franchise's peak came with Jackass 3 in 2010, which grossed $50 million in its opening weekend and went on to earn over $170 million worldwide. Even the previous installment, Jackass Forever, managed $23 million in its debut. The spin-off Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa also outperformed this finale, earning over $100 million domestically. The new film's $8 million opening is a stark contrast, raising questions about whether nostalgia alone can sustain a franchise that has been around for over two decades.
Despite the box office stumble, critics have been kind to the film. Jackass: Best and Last holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the highest of any Jackass movie. By comparison, Jackass Forever sits at 86%, while Jackass 3 and Jackass Number Two have 67% and 66%, respectively. The original Jackass: The Movie is the only installment not rated "fresh" on the aggregator. Audiences also gave the film an A- CinemaScore, the best since the original film nearly 25 years ago.
The movie's title promises a final farewell, but the absence of key cast member Bam Margera for the second consecutive film may have dampened fan enthusiasm. Margera, a central figure in the early days of the franchise, has been absent due to ongoing personal struggles and legal disputes. His absence, combined with the aging cast, may have contributed to the lower turnout.
Directed by Jeff Tremaine, who has helmed every Jackass film, and produced by Oscar-winner Spike Jonze, Jackass: Best and Last is positioned as the definitive end of the series. However, the box office numbers suggest that audiences may have moved on. The film's performance is a far cry from the franchise's heyday, when Jackass 3 set records and Jackass Number Two opened to $29 million.
In a landscape where nostalgia-driven sequels often thrive, the Jackass finale's weak debut is a reminder that not every beloved franchise can sustain its momentum. For fans who did show up, the film delivers the same mix of outrageous stunts and camaraderie that defined the series. But for the broader audience, the call for "one last ride" may have come too late.
As the entertainment industry watches the box office numbers, the future of the Jackass franchise remains uncertain. While this is billed as the final film, the franchise's legacy is secure, with its influence seen in countless stunt-based shows and movies. For now, fans can catch Jackass: Best and Last in theaters, or wait for its eventual streaming debut. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other entertainment news.
