Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4’s inclusion of Bam Margera was requested, not demanded, as clarified by Tony Hawk. Read on to learn more about Margera’s last-minute addition and the future of the skating series.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Skater Inclusions and Future
Bam Margera’s Inclusion Was Requested, Not Demanded
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 (THPS3+4) included Bam Margera at the last minute due to Tony Hawk’s request, but the pro skater clarified that he did not demand Activision to do so. In an interview with Polygon on July 1, Hawk revealed that he called in a favor to put Margera in the game.
After the game’s reveal of the initial list of skaters in March, fans quickly noticed that Margera was not included, which disappointed many. He was an iconic figure in the Tony Hawk series, being playable from the original THPS 3 and 4, the Underground series, and much more.
Although no official statement was made, Margera’s initial exclusion may be attributed to the public’s awareness of his personal struggles. However, his long-time friend and titular figurehead of the skating series, Tony Hawk, really wanted to add Margera in the game.
Because of this, some speculated that Hawk forced Activision to include Margera, to which the famed skater denied. He explained, "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." Hawk said that it was pretty much at the last minute, and was very thankful that the publisher agreed.
Jack Black Returns as Officer Dick, with his U.K. Twin, Constable Richard
Another skater that fans may be familiar with in the series is the secret skater, Officer Dick. As revealed by THPS’ official YouTube channel on June 26, Jack Black will reprise his role as Officer Dick in THPS3+4, and will also be the model for Dick’s U.K. twin and new character for the series, Constable Richard.
Speaking with Variety on June 25, Game Director Kurt Tillmanns said that the team loved Jack Black’s inclusion in THPS1+2, and wanted to carry on the "tradition of the celebrity cameo in a ‘Tony Hawk’ game." The developers from Iron Galaxy adjusted THPS3+4 to make way for Officer Dick’s return, which added a new layer to his character.
"In the last one, he’s just on this high school ground, and trying to yell at the skaters, control the skaters. And now he’s evolved, as his power trip has gone into 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.
A Possible Underground Remake in the Future
With the return of such classic skaters and characters – and yes, even Doomguy – Activision may even look into the possibility of shifting its focus to the beloved Underground series. Hawk himself acknowledged fans’ clamor for its return, and would do anything in his power if that’s what makes players happy.
Although this is the case, Hawk wanted to deliver something more than just a trip down memory lane. 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."
With the inclusion of Margera and fans asking for an Underground remake, players might just bring the narrative-driven skating series back with the power of nostalgia. Regardless, fans will have a "blast from the past" moment as THPS3+4 officially launches in about a week.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is set to release on July 11 on 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. To stay up to date with the latest information about the game, check out our article below!
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