Exclusive authorized documentary celebrates the 50th anniversary of Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster
Mumbai, July 18, 2025: National Geographic is set to mark the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws with JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, premiering on July 20 at 10 PM. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), this 90-minute special is the only authorized documentary on the making of Jaws and offers an unprecedented look into the film that forever changed pop culture, cinema, and our understanding of sharks.
The documentary dives deep into the journey of Jaws—from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the challenges of filming in the Atlantic Ocean with an unpredictable mechanical shark. It features never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and Benchley’s personal archives, rare outtakes, and candid reflections from Spielberg himself. The filmmaker recounts high-stakes production hurdles, including weather delays, technical malfunctions, and fears that the film’s over-budget and over-schedule shoot might end his career.
Spielberg said, “If someone had told me 50 years ago that we would be celebrating this anniversary, I would have thought they were as crazy as the making of Jaws was making me. This documentary is the most honest telling of that journey—from the excitement of being chosen to direct, to the chaos of shooting in the ocean with a shark that was more temperamental than any star I’ve worked with since. At the time, I truly believed Jaws would be the last movie I would ever direct.”
Beyond its behind-the-scenes revelations, JAWS @ 50 also revisits the infamous “Jaws effect”—a surge in global shark fear—and reframes it as a legacy of awe, curiosity, and conservation. The film features exclusive interviews with cast, crew, filmmakers, and leading marine scientists and advocates, including Philippe Cousteau, Candace Fields, Dr. Greg Skomal, and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry, highlighting how Jaws inspired decades of ocean conservation efforts.
Alok Jain, President – Entertainment, JioStar, added, “Jaws isn’t just a film—it’s a phenomenon that has captivated audiences for five decades. This commemorative documentary celebrates the enduring cultural impact of the movie and the powerful connection it continues to foster across generations. In India especially, Jaws has inspired a loyal fan base, and this film offers a chance for both longtime admirers and new audiences to experience its magic.”
Produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, JAWS @ 50 revisits the film’s cultural shockwaves and how it reshaped our relationship with the ocean’s top predator.
JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres July 20 at 10 PM on National Geographic, offering fans a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the making and legacy of the world’s first summer blockbuster.
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About National Geographic
National Geographic is a globally recognized storytelling powerhouse, inspiring over 780 million social media followers and reaching 532 million people across 172 countries in 33 languages. Known for award-winning documentaries, National Geographic connects audiences to the world through factual storytelling, spanning its global TV channels, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, National Geographic Documentary Films, and digital platforms including Disney+ and Hulu. In India, National Geographic content is distributed by JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance and The Walt Disney Company.