Just in time for the film’s golden anniversary, National Geographic has announced JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, a 90-minute documentary offering the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes account of Jaws ever produced. ScreenRant is 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 @ 50 is 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 of Jaws author Peter Benchley) and Laura Bowling.
Nat Geo’s Jaws documentary 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 Story includes 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 how Jaws shaped their work and the cinematic landscape.
- John Williams (composer)
- Joe Alves (production designer)
- Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody)
- Carl Gottlieb (Meadows, screenwriter)
- Jeffrey Kramer (Hendricks)
- Jonathan Filley (Cᴀssidy)
- Jeffrey Voorhees (Alex Kintner)
- Ian Shaw, son of the late Robert Shaw (Quint)
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 @ 50 isn’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 a legacy of awe and conservation. Featuring insights from Peter Benchley’s family and leading marine scientists like Philippe 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 inspire real-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 on ScreenRant, 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 Story premieres Wednesday, July 10 at 9/8c on National Geographic and will be available to stream Thursday, 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.
