The Short Answers
- Johnny Knoxville is directing films (Dumb Money), producing, and occasionally reuniting with the crew—but his focus is now on legacy projects like Jackass Forever and Jackass Conservation.
- Bam Margera’s career is a mix of Vice documentaries, failed TV shows (Bam’s World), and a semi-retirement from stunt comedy, though he remains a cult figure in underground skate culture.
- Steve-O and Chris Pontius have pivoted to podcasting (The Steve-O Show), stand-up, and occasional Jackass reunions, though neither has the same mainstream pull.
- The younger generation—Preston Lacy, Rachel Wolfson, and Sean McInerney—have built careers in social media, reality TV (The Dude Perfect Show), and influencer culture, often without direct ties to Jackass.
Deep Dive: The Full Picture
The Jackass phenomenon wasn’t just a product of its time; it was a symptom of the early 2000s’ hunger for unfiltered, anti-PC entertainment. When Jackass premiered on MTV in 2000, it tapped into a void left by the decline of Fear Factor and the rise of YouTube’s DIY stunt culture. The show’s appeal lay in its authenticity—or what passed for it. Knoxville and company weren’t trained comedians; they were adrenaline junkies who treated every episode like a dare. But authenticity has a shelf life, and by the time Jackass 3.5 aired in 2011, the crew’s stunts felt increasingly calculated, their humor dated. The question of what happened to the Jackass crew after that point became less about their next stunt and more about whether they could evolve at all. The turning point came in 2011 with Ryan Dunn’s death. Dunn, the show’s emotional core, had been the glue holding the crew together—both on-screen and off. His fatal crash in a stunt gone wrong wasn’t just a tragedy; it was a wake-up call. The crew’s dynamic shifted. Bam Margera, already drifting toward Vice and skate culture, doubled down on his rebellious image. Knoxville, ever the survivor, leaned into producing and directing. The others scattered. Some, like Steve-O, found new platforms in podcasting and stand-up. Others, like Chris Pontius, became internet personalities in their own right. The answer to what became of the Jackass crew wasn’t a unified front but a series of solo acts, each grappling with their past in different ways.The Context You Need
To understand where the Jackass crew is today, you have to understand what the franchise represented at its peak. In the early 2000s, Jackass was the anti-Jersey Shore—no tan lines, no manufactured drama, just raw, unscripted pain. The crew’s stunts weren’t just for laughs; they were a middle finger to mainstream comedy. But as the internet matured, so did audiences’ tolerance for shock value. By the time Jackass 3.5 aired, the crew’s brand of humor felt like a relic, even as their social media following remained strong. The real turning point came with the 2017 lawsuit from former producer Jeff Tremaine, who accused the crew of exploiting stunt performers and hiding injuries. The case forced Jackass to confront its darker side: the line between entertainment and exploitation. The lawsuit’s fallout had lasting effects. Some crew members distanced themselves from the franchise, while others doubled down. Knoxville, ever the businessman, negotiated a deal with Netflix for Jackass Forever, which revitalized the brand in 2022. But the revival wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was a calculated move to keep the franchise alive in an era where stunt comedy is dominated by America’s Got Talent wannabes and Fail Army compilations. The question of what’s next for the Jackass crew now hinges on whether they can modernize without losing what made them iconic in the first place.The Mechanics
The Jackass crew’s post-peak careers can be broken into three phases: the immediate aftermath of Dunn’s death, the scattered solo projects of the mid-2010s, and the Netflix revival. The first phase was defined by grief and infighting. Bam Margera’s Bam’s World (2013) was a critical and commercial flop, while Knoxville’s Dumb Money (2016) proved he could direct but not necessarily replicate Jackass’s magic. The second phase saw the crew fragment: Steve-O and Pontius became podcasting staples, while younger members like Preston Lacy and Rachel Wolfson transitioned into reality TV and social media. The third phase, kicked off by Jackass Forever, was a return to form—but with a twist. The show’s success proved that nostalgia still had power, but it also exposed the crew’s aging demographic. The answer to what happened to the Jackass crew isn’t just about their past; it’s about whether they can stay relevant in a landscape where their brand of humor is both beloved and increasingly anachronistic. Financially, the crew’s fortunes vary wildly. Knoxville’s directing credits and producing deals keep him in the upper echelon of stunt comedy earners, while Margera’s Vice deals and failed TV ventures suggest a career in decline. Steve-O and Pontius, meanwhile, have built steady incomes through stand-up and digital content, though neither has the same cultural cachet. The younger generation—Lacy, Wolfson, and McInerney—have thrived in the influencer economy, but their success is often disconnected from Jackass. The mechanics of their careers reveal a truth: the crew’s legacy is no longer monolithic. It’s a collection of individual stories, each navigating the fallout of their shared past.Details That Change the Picture
One of the most underreported aspects of what happened to the Jackass crew is how the franchise’s legal troubles reshaped their dynamics. The 2017 lawsuit against Jeff Tremaine wasn’t just about money—it was about control. The case revealed that many of the crew’s most memorable stunts were performed by uncredited performers, some of whom suffered long-term injuries. The settlement forced Jackass to rethink its approach to stunt work, leading to stricter safety protocols in Jackass Forever. This shift wasn’t just ethical; it was practical. Younger audiences, raised on Jackass compilations, now expect a different standard of safety and consent. The crew’s ability to adapt to these changes will determine whether they remain relevant or fade into nostalgia. Another key detail is how the crew’s personal lives have influenced their careers. Bam Margera’s struggles with addiction and legal troubles have kept him in the public eye, but not always in a positive light. Knoxville’s marriage to Jennifer Blakemore and his role as a father have given him a more wholesome image, though his directing career has been hit-or-miss. Steve-O’s open discussions about his mental health have resonated with fans, while Chris Pontius’s quiet exit from the spotlight suggests a desire to step away from the chaos. These personal factors have shaped their professional trajectories in ways that aren’t always obvious. The answer to what became of the Jackass crew isn’t just about their work—it’s about who they’ve become as people."We were kids doing stupid shit for the camera. Now we’re adults trying to figure out what’s next. Some of us made it, some of us didn’t. But we all made it out of it."
| Member | Current Focus |
|---|---|
| Johnny Knoxville | Directing (Dumb Money), producing (Jackass Conservation), occasional stunt cameos |
| Bam Margera | Vice documentaries, failed TV (Bam’s World), skate culture influence |
| Steve-O | Podcasting (The Steve-O Show), stand-up, occasional Jackass reunions |
Conclusion
The story of what happened to the Jackass crew is, in many ways, the story of a generation. They rode the wave of early 2000s counterculture, pushed boundaries, and became legends—but like all legends, they had to confront the consequences of their own mythmaking. Some, like Knoxville, have found new ways to monetize their brand. Others, like Margera, have become cautionary tales of what happens when rebellion turns into self-sabotage. The younger members have reinvented themselves entirely, proving that Jackass was never just about the original crew. The franchise’s survival in the Netflix era is a testament to its enduring appeal, but it’s also a reminder that even the wildest acts eventually have to grow up. The most fascinating part of their legacy isn’t where they ended up, but how differently they got there. Knoxville’s transition into directing was smooth; Margera’s was messy. Steve-O’s career is built on relatability, while Pontius’s is built on obscurity. The answer to what became of the Jackass crew isn’t a single destination but a constellation of paths—some successful, some not, but all shaped by the same chaotic, unpredictable force that defined Jackass in the first place.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Is Jackass Forever the last movie?
As of 2024, there are no official announcements about a Jackass 4, but Johnny Knoxville has hinted at future projects under the Jackass Conservation banner. The focus is now on documentaries and specials rather than new stunt films.
Q: Did Bam Margera and Johnny Knoxville have a falling out?
Their relationship has been strained for years, particularly after Margera’s legal troubles and failed TV ventures. They’ve worked together on Jackass Forever, but their dynamic is no longer as close as it was in the early 2000s.
Q: What happened to Ryan Dunn’s legacy?
Dunn’s death in 2011 led to the Jackass documentary The Dudesons (2011), which explored his life and the crew’s grief. His widow, Amy, has since spoken about the lasting impact of his death on the franchise and its performers.
Q: Are any original Jackass members still doing stunts?
Knoxville and Steve-O occasionally perform stunts, but most of the original crew—including Margera and Pontius—have moved away from physical comedy. Younger members like Preston Lacy still perform stunts in Jackass projects.
Q: How did the lawsuit affect the crew?
The 2017 lawsuit against Jeff Tremaine forced Jackass to overhaul its safety protocols and credit policies. It also led to internal reflections about exploitation, with some crew members publicly acknowledging past mistakes.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about the Jackass crew?
Many assume they’re all still close, but the crew’s dynamics have shifted dramatically. Some, like Knoxville and Steve-O, remain tight; others, like Margera and Pontius, have drifted apart both professionally and personally.
Q: Will there ever be a Jackass reunion tour?
While Knoxville has expressed interest in live events, no official reunion tour has been announced. The logistical and personal challenges of reuniting the original crew make it unlikely in the near future.
Q: How do the younger Jackass members (Lacy, Wolfson, etc.) feel about the franchise?
Members like Preston Lacy and Rachel Wolfson have embraced the Jackass brand but have also carved out independent careers in reality TV and social media. They see themselves as part of the legacy but not bound by it.
