The star of “Bad Grandpa” is now a golden boy.
Johnny Knoxville and his Hello Junior shingle have signed a exclusive first-look deal with Paramount, the company announced on Monday, giving them two years of first dibs on the “Jackass” mastermind’s projects.
See video: The Secret to Making Johnny Knoxville’s Oscar-Nominated ‘Bad Grandpa’ Testicles
“Johnny has literally put life and limb on the line to create the kind of groundbreaking comedies that audiences the world over flock to in greater and greater numbers,” Adam Goodman, the President of Paramount Film Group, said in a statement. “With ‘Bad Grandpa,’ we saw his undying commitment to great storytelling go beyond what audiences had seen before with a more narrative style that also showcased his incredible comedic abilities. As a vital member of the Paramount family for many years now, to see him continue to evolve as a producer and actor is especially exciting and we are thrilled he will be making his home here for years to come.”
Paramount has also seen Knoxville evolve as a box office draw. After his three “Jackass” films took in $336 million in global ticket sales combined, 2013’s “Bad Grandpa” earned just about $151 million worldwide — on a $15 million production budget.
“I have many more films to make and bones to break,” Knoxville said. “I am glad I will be doing it for Paramount.”
Knoxville first rose to fame on MTV, which is also owned by Paramount’s parent company, Viacom.
