Fans of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 were thrilled to learn that Bam Margera would be one of the unlockable characters in the latest installment of this iconic skateboarding game. In an exclusive interview with ComingSoon, we spoke with the star of Jackass and Viva La Bam to uncover how his last-minute inclusion in the game came to fruition. For a deeper dive into the game, which is now available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, check out our 9/10 review.

“Get excited for the legendary franchise’s return with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Everything you cherished about the original series is back, enhanced with even more skaters, new parks, wild tricks, and music that will blow your mind,” states the official game description.

Tyler Treese: Congratulations on your inclusion in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. It seems almost miraculous that you made it into the game at such a late stage. Can you share when you first learned that Tony Hawk and the fans at Activision rallied to include you in the game? It’s clear that the fans have been eagerly advocating for your participation.

Bam Margera: Absolutely. I went through a really tough period for about ten years, where I hardly skated at all. I was on a global rock and roll tour, drinking excessively, and not engaging with skateboarding. After going to treatment, I ended up on more medication than I was taking on the streets, which made my situation even more confusing and frustrating.

When I met my wife, who is a stretch coach, she helped me regain flexibility in my legs. At one point, I would have given anything just to be able to skate again. Now that I’ve regained my ability, my passion for skating has returned. During a day off in Los Angeles, I wanted to see my son, Phoenix, who is seven. I thought, “Should I call Tony Hawk?” It had been about a year since he last saw me, and I wasn’t doing well. My wife encouraged me to reach out, and he invited me to skate with him, Bucky Lasek, Christian Hosoi, and Alphonzo Rawls at the vert ramp.

Despite my lack of experience skating vert, I picked up my board, and we ended up doing doubles, ollieing over each other on a huge gap. He was surprised to see me back on my board, and I told him, “Yeah, I married a stretch coach, and I’m skating every day again.” His excitement was palpable, and he remarked, “Wow, Bam’s back!”

Without even considering that I could be included in the game, Tony made a call to Activision, knowing there was a strict deadline, and he went above and beyond to make it happen.

It’s fantastic! I’ve been enjoying playing as you in the game, and it’s awesome to see you back on the skateboard. The game even features a skate video with some recent footage of you, which was great to see. What does it mean for you to skate again and to feel embraced by the skate community, which serves as a support system?

Absolutely! Skateboarding is the foundation of everything I’ve achieved, from appearing on Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon to landing various commercials and hosting events like the VH1 Rock Honors. It all began with skateboarding.

In 2013, I received a devastating diagnosis from a doctor who said my legs were like “dry-rotted rubber bands” due to alcohol abuse. [It] That really crushed my hopes of ever getting back to skating. But now that I can skate again, I refuse to take that for granted.

I’ve set a personal goal to skate every single day, and I can’t leave the skatepark until I land a trick. Since then, amazing opportunities have started to come my way. As long as I continue to pursue my passion for skateboarding, everything else will fall into place.

Taking a ten-year break was tough, especially when all I wanted was to get back on my board. At one point, I weighed over 250 pounds and was prescribed 18 different medications under a contract. If I didn’t take them, I would miss out on significant financial opportunities and projects I had a hand in creating.

The side effects from those medications included hair loss, weight gain, stiff muscles, erectile dysfunction, and suicidal thoughts. I experienced all of these challenges and felt utterly hopeless. Eventually, I decided to stop taking everything cold turkey and realized that skateboarding was my true medicine. I don’t need any of that anymore. My balance and muscle memory are back, and I’m just thrilled to be skating again.

It’s amazing to see your progress, and it’s exciting to have you back in this game, especially since Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 was the first installment you appeared in. What does this series mean to you, considering its significant impact on the skating world and the love from fans who often bring the games to your signings?

Bam Margera: Absolutely! During signings at events like Comic-Con, nearly everyone asks me to sign their copy of a Tony Hawk game. Many fans tell me that I’m the only character they enjoy playing. I’ve heard that there was a lot of pressure to include me in this game, with fans saying, “You better put Bam in this game, or I’m not buying it.”

Everything turned out perfectly, and I’m just thankful to be a part of it. This game really brings attention to skateboarders, even to those who don’t skate. If someone learns you’re in the game, it validates you as a true professional skateboarder. When you mention Tony Hawk, even an 80-year-old grandma recognizes that name. However, mention Jamie Foy, and they might not know him as well. But now that he’s in the game, they might just learn his name too [laughs]. To truly appreciate the current skate scene, you have to be a dedicated skater.

It’s been exciting to witness the rollout of this game, especially with Activision hosting large events. How has it felt to reunite with old friends and meet young new skaters for this game? It seems to be a celebration of skateboarding as a whole.

Bam Margera: Attending the Tony Hawk game launch felt like a massive party, filled with fans, but it also resembled a skateboard reunion. I saw many faces I hadn’t encountered in ages, including Kareem Campbell, Geoff Rowley, Dave Duncan, and Bucky Lasek, whom I see occasionally.

Everyone gathered, and it was like a big reunion for the skate community, all thanks to the video game. Tony Hawk did an excellent job selecting legendary skaters to include, like Steve Caballero, Bucky, and Muska, alongside newer talents like Jamie Foy, a two-time Skater of the Year, and Yuto Horigome, who won Olympic gold. I’m also thrilled about Chloe, a 15-year-old skater from Australia who absolutely crushes it. I’ve skated with her in Florida, and it’s inspiring to see such young talent in the game.

You mentioned that fans have been incredibly passionate about your inclusion, and with shows like Viva La Bam, people seem to have a personal connection with you beyond just enjoying your stunts or skating. How does it feel to have that unwavering support from fans, especially during challenging times?

With fans and followers come critics, and I certainly faced a lot of negativity during my struggles. I understand why, as I wasn’t skating and was vocal about my issues. But it seems that the negativity has subsided now that I’m back to skating, doing what I loved when fans first connected with me. It’s heartwarming to see comments filled with fire emojis and messages saying, “Bam is back.” It’s a wonderful feeling.

I remember watching those old CKY videos you produced, which showcased a real DIY spirit and a determination to carve your own path. Can you elaborate on that attitude? Your willingness to be creative and fearless resonated with so many, reflecting a sense of authenticity.

Those early videos represented something unique; they weren’t Hollywood productions but rather genuine films made without big budgets. They inspired kids to realize that you could create something impactful with just a bit of bravery and talent. You don’t need a massive film crew or budget. If your buddy is willing to hit record while you get pushed in a shopping cart into a thorn bush, that’s all it takes to create entertaining content. The truth is, you can make a hit movie without spending a fortune.

I’ve seen a clip of you on The Nine Club, which suggests a Jackass reunion is unlikely, and that chapter of your life seems to be concluded. However, what are you most proud of from those early Jackass films and the show? The impact of Jackass has left a lasting legacy, continuing to make people laugh.

Bam Margera: I take pride in having created a film that garnered so much recognition. At an event, I even had someone like Mark Wahlberg approach me and say, “I just wanted to let you know I’m a huge fan.” That blew my mind.

It’s incredible to realize just how widespread our following became. While many people do similar things, they often don’t achieve the same level of recognition. Yet, if you keep flipping channels, you might come across our work and be compelled to watch. Ultimately, it’s wonderful that we managed to make a name for ourselves.

We extend our gratitude to Bam Margera for taking the time to discuss Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.