Jaws Unmade

It was nearly 50 years ago now that Jaws swam into cinemas and shocked theater goers. In its wake it left numerous sequels and rip-offs like Orca, Jaws 2, Piranha, The Last Shark, Jaws 3-D, Monster Shark, and Jaws: The Revenge to name only a handful. But you knew about those already, didn't you? But what about the sequels and rip-offs that never surfaced to terrify audiences... movies like Bert I. Gordon's Devil Fish, Dino De Laurentiis's Orca Part II, and John Sayles' Sea Dragon of Loch Ness, ever hear about those? What about the spoof Jaws 3, People 0, that eventually became Jaws 3-D? Did you know Jaws 2 began shooting with a different cast, director, and a darker version of the script before it was retooled by studio executives? And lastly, were there ever any real plans for a Jaws 5? From the author of Kong Unmade: The Lost Films of Skull Island take a deep dive into the murky history of the Jaws sequels, prequels, remakes, and rip-offs that never saw the light of day in Jaws Unmade!

One of the most influential thrillers in media history, Jaws first surfaced as a best-selling novel by first-time novelist Peter Benchley in 1974, followed by the 1975 feature film directed by Steven Spielberg at the beginning of his storied career. Jaws is often considered the first "blockbuster," and successive generations of filmmakers have cited it as formative in their own creative development. For nearly 50 years, critics and scholars have studied how and why this seemingly straightforward thriller holds such mass appeal. This book of original essays assembles a range of critical thought on the impact and legacy of the film, employing new perspectives--historical, cinematic, literary, scientific and environmental--while building on the insights of previous writers. While varying in focus, the essays in this volume all explore why Jaws was so successful in its time and how it remains a prominent storytelling influence well into the 21st century.

In all the vast and unknown depths of Hollywood - how could there be only one? To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of one of the most popular and influential movie sequels, the updated and expanded edition of Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel contains more facts, more interviews and almost 200 new photos, many never seen before, shared by the cast, crew and fans. Just when you thought it was safe to turn the page again...the story continues!

Insightful interviews of horror legends George Romero, John Landis, Joe Dante, Brian Yuzna, and more, by former editor-in-chief of Rue Morgue, Dave Alexander, about the scariest horror movies never made! Take a behind-the-scenes look into development hell to find the most frightening horror movies that never were, from unmade Re-Animator sequels to alternate takes on legendary franchises like Frankenstein and Dracula! Features art, scripts, and other production material from unmade films that still might make you scream--with insights from dozens of directors, screenwriters, and producers with decades of experience. Featured Interviews With: George A. Romero John Landis Joe Dante Vincenzo Natali Brian Yuzna William Lustig William Malone Buddy Giovinazzo Tim Sullivan Richard Raaphorst Ruggero Deodato Jim Shooter Bob Layton David J. Skal

Did you used to hate the water, but can't imagine why? Do you feel a constant need for a bigger boat? Do you want the Mayor to close the beaches? If the answer is “yes” to these questions, you are a Jaws fanatic. Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion by Patrick Jankiewicz splashes into the terrifying yet true stories behind the making of Jaws (1975) starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, the film director Steven Spielberg based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 runaway best selling novel of the same name. The equally stupendous success of Spielberg’s suspense film spawned a string of sequels. Author Patrick Jankiewicz fishes out the production back stories, such as how "Smile, You sonnuva—” and “We need a bigger boat!” were created. He reels in all the shark's victims, including John Hancock, Lance Guest, and Dorothy Tristan, for exclusive interviews, and he harpoons of the sequels, Jaws 2 (1978), Jaws 3-D (1983), Jaws: The Revenge (1987). 235 pages.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The shark-versus-man classic that inspired the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie “A tightly written, tautly paced study of terror.”—The Washington Post A great white shark terrorizes the beautiful summer getaway of Amity Island, and a motley group of men take to the water to do battle with the beast. A heart-pounding novel of suspense and a brilliant meditation on the nature of humanity, Jaws is one of the most iconic thrillers ever written. This edition features bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the manuscript’s original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to film producer David Brown with candid feedback on the movie adaptation, and excerpts from Benchley’s book Shark Trouble, highlighting his firsthand account of writing Jaws, selling it to Universal Studios, and working with Steven Spielberg. After writing Jaws in the early 1970s, Peter Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers, and over the ensuing decades, joined many expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks and shark behavior. He encouraged each new generation of Jaws fans to enjoy his riveting tale and to channel their excitement into support and protection of these magnificent prehistoric apex predators.

"Wardragon is the culmination of The Jelindel Chronicles in a soaring saga. Finally Jelindel, with her allies, Zimak and Daretor, has tracked the alien mailshirt across two radically different worlds. But the journey is perilous when each step is lined with flying beasts, metal wasps, mercenaries and assassins . . . and the mailshirt linked up with the evil Preceptor to create a deadly enemy. All Jelindel has is a little magic, Zimak’s wit and Daretor’s sword to scrape through and that is not enough. Collins captures a terrifying, tense world with a touch of humour and holds it to the last shattering battle.” ALLAN BAILLIE