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Tony Hawk has clarified that the inclusion of Bam Margera in 'Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4' came as a request, not a demand. Read on to discover the story behind Margera's last-minute addition and what the future holds for the beloved skating franchise.
The Skaters of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 and the Series' Future
Bam Margera's Inclusion Was a Request, Not a Demand
The last-minute addition of Bam Margera to 'Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4' (THPS3+4) was the result of a personal request from Tony Hawk, though the legendary skater insists he did not force publisher Activision's hand. In a July 1 interview with Polygon, Hawk revealed he called in a favor to get his longtime friend into the game.
Shortly after the initial roster reveal in March, fans were quick to note Margera's absence, a disappointment to many. Margera has been an iconic, playable character in the series since the original THPS 3 and 4, continuing through the Underground titles and beyond.
While no official reason was given, Margera's initial omission was likely tied to his widely publicized personal struggles. However, Tony Hawk, a close friend and the namesake of the series, was determined to see him included.
This led to speculation that Hawk had strong-armed Activision. Hawk refuted this, explaining, "I’m not a dictator in terms of how the game is run, but I did connect with [Bam] recently and he’s in a really good place and skating a lot." He added that the request came very late in development and expressed gratitude that the publisher agreed.
Jack Black Returns as Officer Dick, Joined by His U.K. Twin, Constable Richard
Another familiar face returning to the series is the secret skater, Officer Dick. As announced on the official THPS YouTube channel on June 26, Jack Black will reprise his role in THPS3+4. He will also provide the model for a new series character: Dick's U.K. twin, Constable Richard.
In a June 25 interview with Variety, Game Director Kurt Tillmanns shared that the team loved having Jack Black in THPS1+2 and wanted to continue the "tradition of the celebrity cameo in a ‘Tony Hawk’ game." Developers at Iron Galaxy tailored parts of THPS3+4 to facilitate Officer Dick's return, giving his character a fresh twist.
"In the last game, he's just on a high school campus, trying to yell at and control the skaters. Now he's evolved; his power trip has escalated to becoming the campus security sheriff of a college. We wanted to bring him back and put our own stamp on it in that way, and we’re really happy that he was absolutely game to do that," Tillmanns elaborated.
Could an 'Underground' Remake Be on the Horizon?
With the comeback of classic skaters like Margera and even special guests like Doomguy, Activision may be considering shifting its focus to the fan-favorite Underground series. Hawk has acknowledged the loud fan demand for its return and expressed his willingness to help make it happen if it's what players truly want.
However, Hawk emphasized a desire to deliver more than mere nostalgia. He stated, "To update it not just to celebrate the origins and the original characters, but to update it with newer characters, new tricks, and in this case new levels—that’s the most exciting factor for me."
Margera's inclusion and the persistent calls for an Underground remake suggest that nostalgia could be the key to reviving the narrative-driven skating series. At the very least, fans are in for a major "blast from the past" when THPS3+4 launches in just one week.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is scheduled for release on July 11 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one. For all the latest news on the game, be sure to check out our article below!
