Steve-O passionately defends Jackass against accusations of being outdated. The original series, created by Jeff Tremaine, Spike Jonze, and Johnny Knoxville, debuted on MTV in 2000. It featured a daring group of stunt performers who fearlessly attempted outrageous pranks. Despite the franchise's immense popularity, which has spawned multiple successful feature films such as Jackass 3D and the upcoming Jackass Forever in 2022, some audiences have criticized the humor and risky actions depicted in the show.
While previous disclaimers accompanying Jackass have acknowledged the extreme nature of its stunts, recent criticisms have deemed the show as outdated. In a candid interview with NME, Steve-O shares his perspective on these accusations. He affirms that the performers willingly participate in the wild and unpredictable events and asserts that "none of the pranks are intended to cause harm." Scroll down to read Steve-O's compelling response to the allegations against Jackass.
Why Jackass' Stunts Require Warnings
Wow! Oh my goodness, people are incredibly fascinated! I have to say, Jackass has aged quite gracefully. The essence of it is truly uplifting. Despite all the unpleasant things we subject ourselves and others to, we willingly partake in them. We're simply individuals craving attention, vying for their moment in the spotlight, and we desire these unpleasant situations to happen to us so badly that there's nothing wrong with finding joy in witnessing them unfold. None of the pranks are intended to harm or have ill intentions.
The nature of Jackass' stunts is extremely risky, and due to the vast fanbase the franchise attracts, warnings are essential to discourage fans from attempting any of the showcased actions. Steve-O, known for his involvement in a variety of skits, has pushed the boundaries by affixing a leech to his eye, piercing a fish hook through his cheek, and even being catapulted into the air while confined inside a portable toilet. Despite his daring experience, Steve-O acknowledges that there have been stunts deemed too hazardous to film for Jackass, with one specifically involving a bounce house and its sizable power generator.
The box office success of Jackass Forever suggests that there is still strong interest among fans to see Steve-O and the others engage in their usual crazy antics. The film not only reminded viewers of the franchise's unique sense of humor, but also showcased daring situations involving animals and extreme physical hits. One standout stunt involved Steve-O enduring bee stings in a particularly sensitive area.
Considering the high bar set by previous installments, it is intriguing to contemplate how a potential Jackass 5 could surpass them. The comedy derived from these risky activities not only makes them incredibly memorable, but also sparks discussions among viewers. Despite Steve-O's remarks about outdated criticisms, fans are likely eager to consume any future Jackass content.
Source: NME
