The film will premiere on July 10 on National Geographic and will stream on July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, with music by John Williams, Jaws @ 50 is the only authorized documentary tied directly to the film’s milestone anniversary. With Steven Spielberg's full participation and blessing, the documentary is produced by Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, along with Wendy Benchley (widow of author Peter Benchley) and Laura Bowling. The film features newly recorded reflections from Spielberg, who candidly discusses the challenges of filming — malfunctioning mechanical sharks, harsh weather, and post-production PTSD — offering rare insights into one of Hollywood’s most legendary productions. It also includes never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and Peter Benchley’s personal archives, including rare outtakes and home videos.
Jaws @ 50 features exclusive interviews with original cast members like Lorraine Gary, Carl Gottlieb, as well as prominent filmmakers such as J.J. Abrams, James Cameron, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Soderbergh, George Lucas, and others who reflect on how Jaws shaped their careers and the cinematic landscape. The documentary also explores its environmental impact — addressing the "Jaws effect," shark fear, and conservation efforts — featuring insights from Peter Benchley’s family and marine scientists like Philippe Cousteau and Dr. Greg Skomal.
Beyond nostalgia, Jaws @ 50 emphasizes how the film inspired global shark conservation initiatives. It aligns with National Geographic’s SharkFest programming — a series dedicated to oceanic predators — highlighting efforts to educate viewers about sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems.
Don’t miss this must-watch summer event during SharkFest. The documentary premieres July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographic and streams July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
