To mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, National Geographic presents JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story—the only authorized documentary exploring the cultural and scientific impact of the film that changed how the world views sharks. Executive produced by Wendy Benchley, ocean conservation advocate and wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley, the documentary goes beyond behind-the-scenes footage and cast reflections. It weaves in personal archives, new interviews with Steven Spielberg and modern filmmakers, and—crucially—a reframing of the so-called “Jaws effect” to highlight its unexpected role in launching global shark conservation efforts. In this Q&A, Wendy Benchley discusses her journey from local politics to global marine advocacy, her role in shaping the film’s legacy, and how this new documentary sets the record straight.
You’re a key executive producer of Jaws at 50. What did you feel was missing from previous documentaries, and was there anything you were determined to set straight in this definitive version?
Oh yes, I was so excited to be part of Jaws at 50. Laurent Bouzereau came to me and said he wanted to do a detailed “making of Jaws” documentary—but with a fresh angle. He wanted to include the work Peter and I have done in ocean conservation, and highlight how Jaws helped jump-start interest in protecting the oceans.
This documentary is unique because it’s the only one that really delves into Jaws in that way. It not only covers the positive effect the film had on ocean science and shark research, but it also tackles the major issue of shark finning—something that’s been decimating shark populations for decades. Every year, over 100 million sharks are still being killed for shark fin soup. That’s a critical part of the story we needed to tell.
Jaws has long been celebrated for its cinematic brilliance but also criticized for how it shaped public perception of sharks. How do you view its legacy now, and how have your feelings evolved over time?
I think Spielberg was a genius. To create the drama he wanted, he made the shark much bigger than in reality—26 feet instead of 15. Yes, it was terrifying. But what gives the film its staying power is the people—their relationships and reactions. That’s where the depth and quality come from, and it’s what keeps people coming back.
I’m actually glad Jaws was such a powerful movie. It’s kept the conversation going for 50 years. When people see Jaws, they think of sharks, and now, increasingly, they think about shark conservation. So overall, I think its impact has been positive.
The documentary features rare footage from both Spielberg’s and your family’s archives. Was there a particular moment or piece of footage that surprised or moved you when you saw it again?
That’s a sweet question. Yes, I was very moved—and so were my daughter and son—by the footage of Peter and me together on the ocean. It was startling to see that on the big screen.
Peter passed away in 2006, and I’ve since married a wonderful man, John Jepsen. We live in Washington, DC. My conservation work and relationships have continued. But seeing that footage, and having it connected so publicly to Jaws, felt incredibly fulfilling—especially since we were out on the ocean doing conservation work. It just felt right.
You’ve become a globally recognized voice for ocean protection. Where did that personal journey begin?
I was in elected office in Princeton, New Jersey, for 10 years as a borough councilwoman. I got into politics fighting an incinerator, and I’ve always been active in environmental, housing, and urban issues.
But ocean conservation really began after Jaws. Peter and I were horrified that some people took the film as a license to kill sharks. We knew we had to act. We committed ourselves to educating people and learning from scientists. This was in the 1970s, and we learned alongside the rest of the world—trying to lead wherever we could, especially on shark and conservation issues.
If Peter were alive today, what do you think he’d say about Jaws at 50? What would he want audiences to take away from it?
Wendy Benchley: Peter lived to see the positive effects of Jaws throughout the ’80s and ’90s before he passed in 2006. He was very aware of how much the film kept sharks in the public’s mind.
I think the 50th anniversary documentary would have been a beautiful culmination for him, just as it is for me. After so many years working on ocean issues, I believe his heart would be full—very satisfied. He’d probably call it, in today’s words, “an awesome, wonderful thing.”
IMAGE CREDIT: Universal Studios Licensing LLC