Just in time for the film’s golden anniversary,National Geographichas announcedJAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, a 90-minute documentary offering the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes account ofJawsever produced.ScreenRantis proud to exclusively debut the trailer, poster, and official release date. The film premieres July 10 on National Geographic and streams July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams),Jaws @ 50is the only authorized documentary tied to the film’s 50th anniversary. With Steven Spielberg’s full participation and blessing, the film is produced by Spielberg’s own Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, alongside Wendy Benchley (wife ofJawsauthor Peter Benchley) and Laura Bowling.
Nat Geo’sJawsdocumentary includes newly recorded reflections from Spielberg who opens up about the infamously difficult shoot that nearly derailed his career - from battling malfunctioning mechanical sharks and harsh weather to suffering post-production PTSD. The film includes never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s and author Peter Benchley’s personal archives, including rare outtakes and home videos.
Cast, Crew, and A-List Filmmakers Join the Jaws Anniversary Tribute
EXCLUSIVE: Watch the JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Trailer
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Storyincludes exclusive interviews with the original cast and crew, listed below, in addition to fellow filmmakers and artists including J.J. Abrams, Emily Blunt, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, George Lucas, Greg Nicotero, Jordan Peele, Steven Soderbergh, Guillermo del Toro, Robert Zemeckis, and more, who reflect on howJawsshaped their work and the cinematic landscape.
Also featured are Peter Benchley’s family members and prominent shark experts, who help anchor the documentary’s broader environmental message.
Jaws Now Offers A Much-Needed New Lens On Shark Conservation
Jaws @ 50isn’t just a nostalgic look back for cinephiles. The film also tackles the long-debated “Jaws effect,” the global wave of shark fear it unleashed, and reframes it as alegacy of awe and conservation. Featuring insights from Peter Benchley’s family and leading marine scientists likePhilippe Cousteau,Candace Fields,Austin Gallagher,Gibbs Kuguru,Dr. John Mandelman(New England Aquarium),Dr. Greg Skomal(Save Our Seas Foundation), and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry, the documentary explores how the film ultimately helped inspirereal-world conservation efforts to protect sharks.
This message aligns with National Geographic’s educational mission through its long-running SharkFest programming - a series I’ve had the privilege of covering here onScreenRant, from diving with sharks and meeting world-leading shark biologists to debuting footage of the world’s largest great white.
Jaws @ 50 Premiere Date & How To Watch
Celebrate the Jaws anniversary alongside National Geographic’s SharkFest Programming
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside StorypremieresWednesday, July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographicand will be available to streamThursday, July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.
It headlines this summer’s must-watch SharkFest lineup, National Geographic’s annual celebration of the ocean’s top predator.
