In a dramatic turn of events, stunt performer Bam Margera is officially set to return to the Jackass franchise for its upcoming fifth film. This marks a significant comeback for the 46-year-old, who was famously fired from the previous instalment, Jackass Forever, in 2021 for allegedly violating a wellness agreement.
A Deal Struck After Years of Turmoil
According to a report from TMZ, Margera has recently reached a deal with producers for Jackass 5 following negotiations. The agreement comes after the star, who has publicly battled substance abuse for years, has now reached sobriety. The new project will utilise previously unseen archival footage featuring Margera, though it remains unclear if he will participate in filming new stunts or material.
The original Jackass cast member was a core part of the MTV series and subsequent films alongside Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, the late Ryan Dunn, and others. His return follows a highly publicised and contentious legal dispute after his dismissal three years ago.
From Firing and Lawsuit to Redemption
Margera's firing from Jackass Forever stemmed from allegations he failed to abide by producer-mandated conditions, which included staying sober and submitting to routine drug tests. He was reportedly dismissed after testing positive for Adderall, though he claimed it was prescribed. The fallout was severe: Margera sued Paramount Pictures, Knoxville, and director Jeff Tremaine for wrongful termination, alleging "inhumane treatment." He claimed he was forced to sign a wellness agreement during a 2019 rehab stint to join Jackass 4.
That lawsuit was dismissed in April 2022 after a settlement was reached. Since then, Margera has focused on his recovery. In a June 2025 interview, he reflected on being nearly two years sober, crediting his passion for skateboarding. "I realized I don't need to be on any medication - skateboarding is my medication. As long as I do a trick a day, it keeps my sanity sane," he told Fox News Digital.
The Cast Reacts to the Comeback
The announcement of Jackass 5 was made earlier this week by Johnny Knoxville on Instagram, with a release date set for 26 June 2025 through Paramount Pictures. Fellow star Steve-O commented on Margera's new deal while speaking to TMZ at LAX airport, stating, "Bam's doing great. No question about it."
Steve-O expressed hope for a full-circle moment, adding, "I think that some stuff still needs to be worked out, but there is nothing that would be better than a full circle redemption, triumphant return... all of us together - the whole band." This sentiment contrasts with Knoxville's 2022 comments to Variety, where he expressed love for Margera but admitted they hadn't spoken in over a year, simply wishing for him to "get well and stay well."
Interestingly, Margera himself had previously stated he had no intention of returning to the franchise, telling CinemaBlend in July 2025, "You couldn't offer me enough money to want to do another Jackass with them. The damage has been done." His newly struck deal clearly represents a major reconciliation between the star and the production.
While director Jeff Tremaine's involvement in the fifth film is not yet officially confirmed, the stage is set for one of the franchise's most controversial and popular figures to make his unexpected return when the chaos hits cinemas this summer.
