Concussions and Other Catastrophes
By Jennifer Moore ~ April 23, 2002

This interview was originally scheduled for Monday April 22nd, but I never heard back from Johnny Knoxville. That's not like him, but stranger things have happened, so I didn't think much of it. Tuesday night I was thinking about trying him again when the phone rang. Immediately he apologized and explained to me that he spent Monday night in the hospital due to an injury he received shooting Jackass: The Movie. Butterbean had knocked him out and given him a concussion in an LA store. Only a true Jackass would apologize for not calling due to a medical emergency. By now things like concussions and broken bones are pretty much second nature to the cast of Jackass. Since the series started on October 1, 2000 the crew has suffered broken noses, lost teeth, dozens of concussions, sprained ankles, and a broken tailbone just to name a few...but the movie is so extreme that you'll forget about all that. Here's what Johnny had to say about Jackass: The Movie, past problems with the series, and future plans for the stuntman turned actor:

  1. Are there any skits or celebrity appearances in the jackass movie that you are allowed to reveal?
    We’re not allowed to reveal any secrets from the movie, but all the original ten crew members have shot for the film and the trailer will be airing very soon so keep an eye out for that. However I will say that Ryan Dunn has the very best stunt in the entire movie.
  2. Are you guys finished filming for the movie?
    No, we still have 10 days of filming left in LA and Mexico. So far we have filmed in 16 different locations including Portland, West Chester, New York, Orlando, Paris, and Tokyo.
  3. Will the movie be released in other countries (Ireland, UK, etc.)?
    The movie will be eventually released worldwide. It will be hitting U.S. theaters on August 9th so look for it in other countries some time after that.
  4. Are you planning on putting more merchandise out for Jackass: The Movie promotion?
    There are going to be lots of new movie-related merchandise released. Each cast member will have his own merchandise but it's up to individual stores to decide what will be available in your area. Cast members are also going to be doing promotions. For example, Steve-O and Chris Pontius are going to be putting together a series for MTV to air later in the year.
  5. Has MTV mentioned putting all the jackass episodes on DVD and selling them?
    There is some serious talk about putting out a Best of Jackass DVD with Seasons 1-3 on it but it isn’t definite yet. It will only be released if we are allowed to put it out on our own terms (unedited). We’ll see how that goes. However, we are already putting together the DVD for Jackass: The Movie. There are going to be hours of bonus and behind-the-scenes footage plus interviews with cast members.
  6. How has the experience of working on this movie been different from working on the show?
    Shooting the movie has been much better. The entire crew is extremely excited about all the filming plus we have no restrictions since the movie will be rated R. Also, MTV and Paramont are being extremely supportive which makes everything run smoothly.
  7. Who is involved in the gumball rally this year?
    Unfortunately we aren’t going to be involved in the Gumball Rally again this year due to insurance reasons.
  8. If given the chance, do you think your crew would ever consider moving the show to another channel?
    No. Jackass: The Movie is going to be the last of the series.
  9. What is your favorite skit was from Jackass?
    It's hard to narrow it down, but I really enjoyed Steve-O's Goldfish Trick. We had planned to try another skit, but it fell through so at the last minute Steve had this idea.
  10. What would you say to the people who copy your stunts?
    I wouldn't say anything to the kids necessarily as much as I would to the parents. I would tell the parents to monitor what their kids are watching on TV a little more, and to develop a better dialogue with their kids about what they are interested in.
  11. Was there ever a point where you regretted agreeing to do Jackass?
    I have never regretted anything I have done in the past. Jackass has really opened up many doors for me so I will never regret the series.
  12. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
    Definitely shooting Jackass: The Movie and having the opportunity to travel all over the world and film with all my friends.
  13. Other than America, which is the coolest country you’ve been to so far?
    They have all been great, but my favorite would have to be Tokyo, Japan
  14. If you can see yourself ten years into the future, would you still be doing the things you're doing today or something completely different?
    I hope to be involved in more acting. I would especially enjoy working on other projects with the rest of the Jackass crew.
  15. If you weren't as interested in acting or if things hadn’t worked out, what kind of career do you think you'd be involved in now?
    I have never really allowed myself to consider an alternative to acting.
  16. What has been the scariest moment in your life?
    During the filming of Playgirl Pontius when Chris chased me around trying to give me a hug after he had just jerked off on his chest. Hands down that was the scared moment EVER.
  17. Just how terrifying were those last few seconds before you shot yourself with .38?? What was going through your mind??
    "I hope this son-of-a-bitching vest works!"
  18. When you career is over and you're an "old man", how do you want people to remember you?
    If I last that long, I'd like to be remembered as a guy who made his fans laugh.
  19. What movie role has been your favorite to play so far?
    It is always fun to work with Barry Sonnenfield and I really enjoyed playing the 2-headed alien in Men in Black 2.
  20. Have you been signed to or are you considering any more movies at this time???
    I am considering several roles at the time but we have been so busy with the Jackass Movie that nothing else is really definite at this time. I am in Big Trouble, which is currently out in theaters. Plus Deuces Wild will be coming out next month (although I only have 3 lines in that film) and Men in Black II will be hitting theaters in July.
  21. If you could pick any actor or actress to work with who would it be?
    I would love to work with Wes Anderson (director of Rushmore).
  22. Do you have any scheduled promotional spots (talk shows, live appearances, magazine articles) that will be coming up in the next few months, especially as the movie gets closer?
    There are going to be lots of TV spot as the movie grows closer in plus starting in June I have around 3 or 4 magazine covers scheduled to be released. One of those covers was shot this morning with the bandage still on my head from my concussion last night.

Thanks again to PJ for taking the time out of his insane schedule for this interview.

DO NOT use this interview on your site unless specifically given permission.

Absolut Jackass is designed by Jennifer Moore ~ Last updated February 22, 2004