In the wake of the 50th anniversary of the best-selling book by Peter Benchley that went on to become a record-breaking box office hit by Steven Spielberg, National Geographic greenlight the documentary centering on the creation of ‘Jaws’. With a working title of ‘Jaws @ 50’ the documentary is set to air Summer 2025 on National Geographics and Stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
Laurent Bouzereau of Nedland’s Media is set to direct the feature documentary, which will include footage and photography from the Benchley and Spielberg archives and all-new interviews from the worlds of film, literature, pop culture and ocean conservation.
In collaboration with ocean conservation and marine policy advocate Wendy Benchley and branding and communications specialist Laura A. Bowling, the film will capture our endless fascination with sharks and the changing dialogue about these awe-inspiring creatures. In celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary, Jaws @ 50 (working title) will air in Summer 2025 on National Geographic and stream on Disney+ and Hulu as part of Sharkfest, Nat Geo’s signature summer event.
The behind-the-scenes stories of the book’s writing and the legendary tumultuous production of the film – including being over budget, over schedule, malfunctioning mechanical sharks, weather issues and sea sickness – will serve as the spine of the documentary. Jaws @ 50 (working title) will explore the world and impact of sharks today through testimonials from people who have dedicated their lives to studying and safeguarding sharks and our seas. “Jaws” gave rise to a new generation of shark aficionados, many ocean scientists, researchers, explorers, activists and die-hard fans. These experts have deepened our curiosity and understanding of sharks beyond what Benchley and Spielberg could have imagined.
“National Geographic has celebrated sharks for over two decades with our annual summer event Sharkfest, so we naturally jumped at the chance to partner with Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Media on Jaws @ 50,” said Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president, Production and Development, National Geographic. “‘Jaws’ not only became a massive pop culture phenomenon, but the initial fear it elicited propelled the world’s fascination with sharks, opening the door to our understanding of these apex predators and stressing the urgency in protecting our oceans.”
“‘Jaws,’ the novel by Peter Benchley and the film by Steven Spielberg, defined both popular literature and cinema,” said Darryl Frank / Justin Falvey, President’s Amblin Documentaries and Amblin Television. “The idea of diving into the past, present and future legacy of ‘Jaws,’ combined with an informed and inspiring discussion about sharks and the ocean in one documentary, is a unique opportunity to explore the perfect union between art and science.”