'Jackass 3.5' To Get Episodic Online Release Before Full Digital Version Arrives

Jackass 3 had a huge opening weekend and has pulled in more than $150m so far. That meant that the rumored follow-up Jackass 3.5 became a sure thing. We've known that the film — a whole new feature-length set of stunts — would not be a theatrical release. Now Paramount has announced final plans for the release of Jackass 3.5, which will be doled out in online increments starting in March 2011 before being made available as a full digital offering and eventual VOD and DVD title.

The film will be made up mostly of material shot during the Jackass 3 schedule, with some new material specifically created for Jackass 3.5. It will not be in 3D, though given the non-theatrical release that should be evident.

The only date we have is 'March 2011,' with the promise that "stunts and antics from "Jackass 3.5" will be released online weekly and then packaged together as a feature length film distributed digitally followed by other platforms including home video." So expect the online appearances to begin in March with a full release to follow.

Here's a big 'ol press release:

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 30, 2010) – Paramount Digital Entertainment in association with MTV, both part of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) announced today that it plans to add another original project to its popular digital programming line-up: JACKASS 3.5, which will premiere in March 2011.Jackass 3D hit theaters on October 15, 2010 and has already grossed over $155 million at the worldwide box office. The film stars Johnny Knoxville and the boys and was produced by Dickhouse Production's Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze, along with Knoxville. "Jackass 3.5," which was tailor-made for launch in digital media, will feature all new content, including never-before-seen stunts, pranks and other side-splitting antics by the Jackass crew. New stunts and antics from "Jackass 3.5" will be released online weekly and then packaged together as a feature length film distributed digitally followed by other platforms including home video."I don't want to say that the Jackass guys invented the Internet, but they were doing viral videos before most people had even heard the term. That distinguished heritage makes Jackass the perfect franchise for digital," said Thomas Lesinski, President of Paramount Digital Entertainment. "When the Jackass guys went to make 'Jackass 3D,' we proposed that we shoot a follow up to the successful 'Jackass 2.5' digital feature alongside it, and everyone was up for it. In 'Jackass 3.5,' you are going to see an entire movie's worth of new stunts, new pranks and new gags, on whatever screen you choose.""For 'Jackass 3D' we shot enough footage for two movies so a lot of great stuff didn't make it in the film. Luckily you will get to see those bits in 3.5. We also shot some additional footage in Europe specifically for 3.5. I have staples in my head right now to prove it. Woo hoo," said Jackass co-founder and star Johnny Knoxville."It's been ten years since 'Jackass' first launched on MTV and there is still more poo, stunts and hilarity to go around on every screen imaginable," said Van Toffler, President, MTVN Music/Logo/Films Group. "Whenever the Jackass crew gets together, you know there will be a plethora of valuable fragments of entertainment to satiate their fans, and 'Jackass 3.5' will not disappoint as the latest installment in this fine franchise."In 2007, Paramount Digital Entertainment & MTV released 'Jackass 2.5,' the first digital movie released by a studio that quickly became the most successful non-theatrical release in the studio's history. In the first few weeks of launch, the digital property garnered over 20 million views and was the #1 title on iTunes the week it launched.