Whereas some executives are sticking to their hybrid release strategies, launching films on both their preferred streaming platforms and in theaters, others are releasing their movies in theaters only. There is also a handful that has decided to delay their films outright due to growing concerns about the number of new cases of COVID-19. You can count Paramount Pictures, the distributors of Jackass Forever, as one of those studios that have decided to delay their upcoming films by several months. Unfortunately, it appears that some fans don’t believe that the studio delayed Jackass Forever because of the ongoing pandemic. Because of this, one of the film’s stars, Steve-O, has decided to speak out against the rumors that are going around.
Why exactly did Paramount delay Jackass Forever?
Earlier this month, Paramount Pictures decided to delay movies such as Top Gun 2, Mission: Impossible 7, and Jackass Forever. The studio blamed the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the United States for its decision. Jackass Forever, in particular, will now premiere on February 4, 2021, instead of October 22, 2021. Despite the perfectly reasonable explanation, some fans believe that Paramount is not telling the truth. At least, as far as Jackass Forever is concerned. There is speculatios that the studio decided to delay Jackass Forever for the nth time because of the lawsuit filed by Bam Margera. In an interview with TMZ, longtime Jackass cast member, Steve-O, assured fans that these rumors were not true. Steve-O outright denies that the lawsuit had anything to do with the delay, referring to the lawsuit as just “absurd” and that he was surprised that Bam even found “anybody to file a lawsuit.” The concerned lawsuit names Johnny Knoxville and Spike Jonze among those that Bam is suing for wrongful termination. Margera is part of the original Jackass crew and was originally set to star in Jackass Forever as well. However, the production had no choice but to fire him for failing to abide by the wellness agreement rules he signed beforehand. Margera claims in his lawsuit that the studio forced him into signing the agreement. He also added that he had a prescription for taking the Adderall that led to his firing. It’s unclear why these rumors ever came about in the first place. It’s not like the lawsuit is blocking Jackass Forever from releasing in any way. It also makes no sense for Paramount to delay the film when the court did not order the studio to do so. In the meantime, you can read through our preview of the upcoming Jackass installment and watch the trailer to know more about the film.
