JAWS is set to make a splash once again, 50 years after its release, with Universal marking the anniversary with an almost year-long celebration including an exhibition, new merchandise, a theatrical re-release and more.
As announced during the 97th Oscars last weekend, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will debut Jaws: The Exhibition from 14 September. The exhibition – the first ever of this size dedicated to a specific film – celebrates the Academy’s largest collection object, the sole surviving shark from Jaws, and is timed to the film’s landmark anniversary.
Visitors will step into the world of the iconic film, scene-by-scene, as it translates the movie into a spatial experience with over 200 original objects including concept illustrations, costumes and props. There will also be exclusive merchandise available in the Academy Museum Store celebrating the legacy of the film.
In April, the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival will host the first theatrical screening of the year with a special 50th anniversary presentation of the film. Fans around the US can also join in on the celebration beginning on 29 August through to 4 September when Jaws returns to the big screen.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will kick off its summer-long JAWS celebration over Memorial Day weekend in May. Its theatres nationwide will be hosting JAWS Movie Party screenings featuring a special menu and props, along with limited edition popcorn buckets and merchandise. JAWS on the Water screenings will take place at Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, while in Martha’s Vineyard on 21 June, fans can enjoy an unforgettable experience as part of the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow, in partnership with The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce and Circuit Arts.
Fans can also venture to Amity Island from the comfort of their own homes, with the movie streaming exclusively on Peacock from 15 June, along with JAWS 2, JAWS 3-D and JAWS: The Revenge. A 50th Anniversary special edition of the film will also be re-released on digital and disc with all-new bonus material this summer.
In addition to this, new products across fashion, toys, publishing, collectables and more will be launching. Partners include Penguin Random House, Fisher-Price, Eastpak, Goodr, H&M, Kidrobot, Nautica, NECA, Stern Pinball, Vineyard Vines and Uniqlo among others.
Further licensees launching new product include Aykroyd TDP, Fashion UK, Funko, Hey Dude, Hot Topic, Hunter Price, Loungefly, Park Agencies, Poetic Brands, Rubber Road and Zara Kids to name a few.
Some surprises will also be in store for visitors to Universal Studios theme parks. Beginning in May at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, a new collection of merchandise themed to the anniversary will be available including a new sipper, bucket hat, baseball cap, crossbody bag, cooler bag and more.
At Universal Orlando Resort, guests can indulge in specialty food and drinks at Chez Alcatraz, while Universal Studios Japan will devote an entire area themed to Amity Village. Universal Studios Hollywood will also bring guests face to face with the great white shark during their visit to Amity Island on the studio tour, with additional celebratory activity to be announced shortly.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and on Instagram (@licensing_source).
