Nat Geo Greenlights ‘Jaws @ 50’ Feature Documentary Marking 50th Anniversary of Film & Book, From Steven Spielberg’s Amblin & Nedland Media

EXCLUSIVE: National Geographic is paying homage to Jaws, giving a green light to Jaws @ 50 (working title), a feature documentary to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel and the blockbuster film directed by Steven Spielberg. Nat Geo partnered with Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Media on the project.

Nedland Media’s Laurent Bouzereau will direct the documentary, which will include footage and photography from the Benchley and Spielberg archives, as well as all-new interviews from the worlds of film, literature, pop culture and ocean conservation.

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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,” according to Nat Geo. It will premiere in summer 2025, the film’s 50th anniversary, on National Geographic and stream on Disney+ and Hulu as part of Sharkfest, Nat Geo’s signature summer event.

“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 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.”

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. It also 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, the novel by Peter Benchley and the film by Steven Spielberg, defined both popular literature and cinema,” said Darryl Frank/Justin Falvey, Presidents of 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.”

For National Geographic, Jaws @ 50 (working title) will be produced by Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Media in collaboration with executive producers Benchley and Bowling and directed by Bouzereau. Frank and Falvey executive produce for Amblin Documentaries, along with Bouzereau and Markus Keith for Nedland Media. Ted Duvall is executive producer for National Geographic.

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