“Jackass ”Stars Recall ‘Kidnapping’ Brad Pitt During 2001 Prank in Los Angeles: ‘He Loved It’

**Brad Pitt’s Unexpected Role in Iconic Jackass Prank Revealed by Johnny Knoxville**

Johnny Knoxville, one of the co-founders of the outrageous stunt series Jackass, has uncovered a delightful behind-the-scenes secret regarding Brad Pitt’s unexpected involvement in the show’s shenanigans. The revelation came as Knoxville discussed a particular segment from the programme during which the Hollywood star enthusiastically agreed to partake in what can only be described as a spontaneous kidnapping prank.

The incident highlights the carefree spirit of the show, which carved out a unique niche in the early 2000s. It was during the filming of Season 3, Episode 8 that Pitt found himself donning a gorilla costume for a sketch titled ‘Night Monkeys,’ which involved a number of participants dressed as gorillas engaging in humorous antics around Los Angeles. However, what truly piqued interest was the momentous decision to have the renowned actor “kidnapped” outside of Pink’s Hot Dogs, a legendary eatery in the city.

In a recent interview video shared by the Associated Press, Knoxville recounted that while he was occupied filming on another scene, co-creator Jeff Tremaine approached Pitt with the bold plan. Without pausing to think or even make a phone call, Pitt agreed to the stunt. Knoxville recalled, “Jeff goes, ‘Hey, can we kidnap you in front of Pink’s Hot Dogs?’ He said, ‘Yeah,’”, reflecting the actor’s willingness to jump into the madness that defined Jackass.

As Tremaine added, the actor’s on-the-spot approval was refreshing. “He just said yes. And we got in the van and did it,” he recalled, reminiscing about the simpler times when production was less about over-planning and more about spontaneity. Fellow Jackass star Chris Pontius confirmed the enjoyment Pitt seemed to derive from the experience, stating, “And he loved it.”

The gorilla-themed sketch, which also involved Pitt, was filmed concurrently, but it seemed to have been overshadowed by the brashness of the kidnapping prank. Knoxville highlighted the irony of having a star like Pitt obscured by a mask throughout much of the sketch. “It just kind of got overshadowed. Kind of dumb to have Brad Pitt with a mask on the whole time. Like, what’s the point? But we’re kind of dumb,” he jested.

The original run of Jackass aired on MTV from 2000 until 2002 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, known for its fearless stunts and unapologetic humour. Following the conclusion of the television series, the franchise blossomed into a series of feature films, with the first, Jackass: The Movie, debuting in 2002.

As fans of the series gear up for the launch of the latest film, Jackass: Best and Last, set to hit cinemas on June 26, Knoxville has made it clear that this will be the final outing for the franchise. Speaking with Rolling Stone, he remarked, “This is the natural place to end. So it’s going to be absolutely awful.” This revelation suggests a bittersweet conclusion for both the cast and their loyal viewers.

The series has managed to retain an enduring place in popular culture, with its mix of stunts, comedic sketches, and an unapologetic approach to entertainment. Yet, it is the stories behind the scenes, such as Pitt’s impromptu kidnapping, that often bubble to the surface, revealing a playful camaraderie among the cast and guests.

As excited fans await the final film, many will no doubt reflect on the memorable moments that have defined Jackass over the years. With its blend of chaos and laughter, the franchise leaves a legacy that will likely resonate for years to come. The old days of spontaneous stunts and off-the-cuff humour may be drawing to a close, but they will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of those who tuned in for the wild ride.