Disney to release documentary about Universal’s ‘Jaws’ in 2025
A “Jaws” documentary will celebrate the classic Spielberg film’s 50th anniversary in 2025, debuting on Disney+, Hulu, and National Geographic.
‘Jaws @ 50’ documentary
Disney will distribute a documentary about one of Universal’s most beloved films, “Jaws,” Deadline reported. The retrospective’s working title is “Jaws @ 50,” and will release in summer 2025 on Disney+, Hulu, and National Geographic to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its subject matter. “Jaws” is considered by many to be the original summer blockbuster, debuting in 1975 from Universal Pictures and directed by a then-28-year-old Steven Spielberg.
“Jaws @ 50” will spotlight the creation of the film, as well as the development of its source material, the 1974 novel “Jaws” by the late Peter Benchley. Additionally, the new “Jaws” documentary will explore topics of real-life sharks and oceanography by way of expert insight from Wendy Benchley, conservation advocate and Peter’s wife.
Laurent Bouzereau will direct “Jaws @ 50.” Bouzereau previously helmed various docs, specials, and home video bonus features dissecting the behind-the-scenes stories of other Spielberg films, including “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” and “War of the Worlds.” The 1995 project “The Making of Jaws” was Bouzereau’s directorial debut. He also directed the 2024 documentary about actor Faye Dunaway and an upcoming documentary about composer John Williams.
The ‘Jaws’ legacy in Universal theme parks
It’s unknown if the 2025 “Jaws” documentary will dive into (sorry) the film’s legacy at Universal theme parks worldwide, but filmmakers would have plenty of history from which to mine should they choose to include that facet of the franchise.
Just down the road from Walt Disney World, the “Jaws” attraction was an opening-day ride at Universal Studios Florida in 1990. It closed to make way for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which opened in 2014. Jaws: The Ride is still open at Universal Studios Japan, while the isolated shark moment remains part of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood in California, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary.
A “Jaws” float and marching band takes center stage in “Universal Mega Movie Parade,” which debuted at Universal Studios Florida in July 2024.
‘Jaws’ documentary will debut during SharkFest 2025
Production companies Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Media will create the “Jaws @ 50” documentary for Disney. The feature will debut as part of Nat Geo’s annual SharkFest programming event.
National Geographic became annexed into Disney upon Disney’s 2019 acquisition of assets formerly belonging to 21st Century Fox. Since then, National Geographic has produced several Disney-focused programs, including two seasons of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” and the documentary special “Epcot Becoming: Inside the Transformation.”
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