It wouldn't be Jackass without a little bit of controversy. Following the release of the Jackass Forever trailer, PETA has slammed all involved with the film for some of the stunts featured in the trailer involving animals and they want the scenes removed.
After the trailer was released to the public, PETA released an official statement blasting the movie for "normalizing animal exploitation." They have also taken a step further by demanding Paramount Pictures to cut all stunts involving animals. PETA President Ingrid Newkirk had this to say about the matter:
"Jackass stunts are violent and vulgar, but if the talent is willing and the wounds are self-inflicted, that's one thing-however, it's quite another when animals are exploited, harassed, and harmed: That's cruelty. The Jackass Forever trailer shows Knoxville's crew provoking a snake and a bull to the point of attack, treating a tarantula like a game piece, and coercing a chained bear to eat honey off a bound participant. Four months before its release, Jackass Forever has already risked normalizing animal exploitation and legitimizing the cruel exhibitors who pimp out animals for productions. PETA is urging producers to remove stunts involving animals from the film."
PETA consistently objects to animal cruelty, which is a worthy cause, but this is a battle I don't think they're going to win. This isn't the first time the Jackass crew has used animals in their stunts and, since this is the fourth and final installment of the film franchise, I doubt that Paramount Pictures will push for them to remove much of anything.
Jackass Forever brings back Jeff Tremaine to direct with returning cast members that include Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, "Wee Man" Acuna, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey, and Preston Lacy. The new cast members joining the debauchery include Sean "Poopies" Mclerney, Jasper Dolphin, and Zach Holmes. Jackass Forever will also feature appearances from mainstream celebrities such as Machine Gun Kelly, Tony Hawk, Mat Hoffman, DJ Paul, and Eric Andre.
Do YOU think Paramount Pictures should remove the animal scenes from Jackass Forever?