Bam Margera Appears in ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ But Not as Fans Expected

Fans have been speculating for months about Bam Margera’s involvement in the latest film, and now that ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ is officially in theaters, the situation is clearer. Margera does make an appearance, but the context surrounding it is much more complex than a straightforward yes or no.

Released on June 26, 2026, the final installment of the ‘Jackass’ series features Margera solely through previously unseen archival footage from earlier productions, with no new stunts filmed for this movie. For dedicated fans who have followed him throughout the franchise’s journey, this distinction holds significant importance.

Margera agreed to appear in the film using archival footage, as confirmed by Variety, which noted that he would not be filming any new material. This arrangement was seen as a peace offering between Margera and the ‘Jackass’ team, who have had a tumultuous relationship over the years.

Johnny Knoxville shared with USA TODAY that the team reached out to Margera through a third party to obtain his permission for the archival footage. Although he approved the use of this footage, he chose not to return for new filming.

Knoxville expressed his sentiments graciously, stating, “Through a third party, we invited him to be a part of the film. But he wasn’t ready, and we accept that and respect that.” He added, “I have nothing but love for Bam Bam.” One notable moment in the film revisits the “Silence of the Lambs” prank from ‘Jackass Forever,’ where cast members were locked in a dark room, believing a rattlesnake was loose. Margera was initially part of this segment, but his footage was cut from the 2022 film. In ‘Jackass: Best and Last,’ that previously omitted footage has been restored.

Margera’s departure from ‘Jackass Forever’ was due to alleged violations of a wellness agreement, leading him to file a wrongful termination lawsuit that he later dropped. This incident significantly influenced public discussions surrounding the franchise.

In the lawsuit, Margera claimed he was pressured into signing the wellness agreement while in rehab in 2019 and was terminated after testing positive for Adderall, which he had been prescribed for a decade. This legal battle cast a long shadow over his relationship with the crew.

Tensions escalated when director Jeff Tremaine secured a temporary restraining order against Margera due to disturbing messages sent to him, alongside reports of veiled threats made by Margera on social media. The fallout from this situation became one of the most public and painful breakdowns in reality television history.

As of 2026, Margera appears to be on a path to recovery, recently sharing on Instagram that he has been sober for two years, a significant achievement considering his past struggles. His parents attended the premiere of ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ in his absence and spoke about his current well-being.

Margera’s mother, April, noted that he had genuinely contemplated returning for the film but ultimately decided against it, stating, “I think he really thought that maybe he could, but it was just kind of extra hard when Ryan passed away,” referring to the late Ryan Dunn. The grief from Dunn’s passing in 2011 has evidently impacted Margera’s connection to the franchise.

His father, Phil, hinted at the premiere that Margera might be open to reconciling with former castmates, saying, “I guarantee you they’re going to make up and they’re going to be awesome together.” Knoxville appeared emotional upon seeing Phil and April, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I got a little choked up. So happy to see them. After all we’ve been through.”

Knoxville confirmed that ‘Jackass: Best and Last’ will be the final film in the series, describing it as “the natural place to end” and stating there will not be a .5 sequel, marking it as only the second ‘Jackass’ film without one. The movie serves as both a celebration and a heartfelt farewell.

The film combines old and new footage, celebrating the entire franchise by showcasing memorable moments from the TV series and previous films alongside fresh material and unseen outtakes. Despite its chaotic roots, the approach is surprisingly sentimental.

Critics responded positively to the film, awarding it an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 56 reviews. Variety’s Guy Lodge noted that audiences leave the film feeling that the crew will genuinely miss what they created together. Regardless of whether Margera fully reconciles with those who have been pivotal in his life, the franchise undoubtedly leaves an emotional impact on everyone involved, and fans who remember Bam at his wildest deserve to weigh in on whether archival footage suffices as a fitting sendoff for one of the original crew’s most unforgettable members.