JAWS Turns 50—And Yes, Pensacola Beach Had a Cameo
This summer on June 20th marks the 50th anniversary of the movie that changed summer blockbusters forever, JAWS. First released in 1975, this iconic shark thriller, directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, not only made waves; it created a tidal shift in film history that would influence countless filmmakers and generations to come. JAWS broke records by becoming the first movie ever to soar past the remarkable $100 million mark at the box office, a feat that seemed almost unimaginable at the time. Its success didn’t just stop there. The film led to three sequels, JAWS 2 (1978), JAWS 3-D (1983), and JAWS: The Revenge (1987). And while the original JAWS film didn’t swim near our shores, its sequel, JAWS 2, did, bringing crew, cast, and cameras right here to Navarre Beach and Fort Pickens.
JAWS in the Panhandle
Filming for JAWS 2 took place in 1977, and if you’ve ever walked the stretch of Fort Pickens or cruised down Navarre Beach, you’ve unknowingly stepped into a piece of movie history. Navarre Beach was the perfect spot to shoot the movie due to its warm weather and perfect water depth for the animatronic shark, Bruce. The production took full advantage of the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty and calm, clear waters, using them as a stand-in for the fictional Amity Island once again. The JAWS 2 crew spent about four and a half months in the panhandle filming the movie. While here they hired locals to play extras in the movie, and many of them were Gulf Breeze High School students. Locals still love sharing stories of the Hollywood crew, the prop shark, and unexpected sightings during those few unforgettable months.
50th Anniversary Specials
As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, JAWS is coming back onto the big screen this Labor Day Weekend (August 29 – September 4) in select theaters. Some cinemas are even rolling out themed menus and anniversary merch, perfect for die-hard fans and curious moviegoers alike. Keep an eye out for local listings to catch a showing. Can’t make it to the theater? Starting June 15, JAWS and all of its sequels will stream exclusively on Peacock. Universal will also be rereleasing the film on Blu-ray and digital, featuring an exclusive documentary about the movie called “JAWS @ 50: THE DEFINITIVE STORY”. Regardless of whether you’re reliving the suspense or watching for the first time, there’s never been a better time to revisit the film that changed movie history.
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