Johnny Knoxville and his band of merry pranksters are back again in Jackass Forever, opening February 4th. It is the fourth theatrically released Jackass saga and it follows 2013’s successful spinoff Bad Grandpa. Jeff Tremaine is back in the director’s chair along with familiar pain enthusiasts Steve-O, Wee Man, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Danger Ehren, Preston Lacy, and Bam Margera (who was fired from production but remains onscreen). There’s celebrity cameos from Eric Andre, Shaquille O’Neal, Machine Gun Kelly, and Tyler, the Creator.
The boys aren’t boys anymore as Knoxville is 50 and Forever will be a test of the franchise’s durability. Back in 2002, part one (which stemmed from the smash MTV show) made $22 million for its start. The first sequel in 2006 made off with $29 million in its opening while 2010’s Jackass 3D easily hit the series high point with a $50 million debut. By 2013, any doubts about the Jackass bankability were wiped away when Bad Grandpa hit $32 million out of the gate.
Younger viewers, eight years after the last installment, may not be as familiar with the brand. However, I’m hesitant to bet against them. No Jackass tale has premiered with less than $20 million and my hunch is that this won’t either. Low to mid 20s sounds about right.
Jackass Forever opening weekend prediction: $21.8 million
For my Moonfall prediction, click here: