The latest installment of the “Jackass” franchise, “Jackass: Best and Last,” which is being promoted as the series’ final film, includes previously unseen footage of Bam Margera, one of the show’s original cast members. Although Margera does not participate in any new scenes, his presence is acknowledged through archival material, a move reflecting both his past contributions and the complex circumstances surrounding his departure from the series.

Margera, 46, was dismissed from the previous film, “Jackass Forever” (2022), after allegedly violating the terms of a wellness agreement with the production. He later filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, asserting that a failed drug test was due to his prescribed use of Adderall for attention deficit disorder. That lawsuit was eventually dropped.

Johnny Knoxville, a key figure in the franchise, said the production team sought Margera’s approval to use older footage for “Best and Last.” Knoxville explained that while Margera declined to film new material, he gave permission to include archival clips. “Through a third party, we invited him to be a part of the film,” Knoxville said, adding that the team respects Margera’s decision not to participate further and noted hearing that Margera is doing well.

The film’s archival footage revisits the infamous “Silence of the Lambs” prank from “Jackass Forever,” where the cast was locked in a dark room and tricked into believing a rattlesnake was loose. Margera was originally involved in this segment, but the version released in 2022 edited around his presence, leaving viewers unaware of his participation. “Jackass: Best and Last” restores those cut scenes, allowing fans to see Margera’s reactions and his dynamic with Knoxville more fully.

Despite lingering tensions between Margera and other cast members, some have expressed a positive outlook toward his inclusion. Steve-O, another original cast member, said he had not been in contact with Margera recently but welcomed the appearance of Margera’s footage in the film. “I haven’t had any personal contact with Bam myself in quite some time, and I almost don’t understand that because I don’t believe that he’s got any issue with me,” Steve-O said. He added, “I’m just glad to hear that he’s doing well, and it’s a shame that he couldn’t really see this for what it was. But it’s also really cool that he got involved in the old footage.”

The history between Margera and the franchise has been strained. In 2021, Jeff Tremaine, “Jackass” director and co-creator, obtained a restraining order against Margera after allegations that Margera sent death threats to Tremaine and his family. Tremaine cited concerns for his family’s personal safety at the time.

In a January interview, Margera reflected on his relationship with the franchise, stating that while he approved the use of archival footage, he has no interest in returning to participate in future projects due to the emotional toll of his firing. “I have a lot of PTSD from it all,” Margera said. “I’m just too hurt by it, and I already accepted the fact that I don’t want anything to do with it anymore.”

“Jackass: Best and Last” combines new stunts with a retrospective of the franchise’s signature moments, offering a final salute to the series and its contributors, including Margera.