The Daily Jaws

This is what happens when a two-part JAWS 50 interview with Matt Hooper actor, the legendary Richard Dreyfuss, reaches its final reel.

Part two picks up right where we left off, with the Academy Award-winning actor going deeper into what made Hooper tick, how seriously he took the shark science, and why JAWS manages to terrify you long before you ever see a fin. He also answers questions sent in by famous fans, including Simon Pegg, Joe Lo Truglio, Reece Shearsmith and Lucrezia Millarini, covering everything from the Tiger Shark autopsy to the book’s cut storyline choices, and the moments he is most proud of as an actor.

Presented by Bigger Boat Solutions & The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

Presented in assocation with https://www.richarddreyfuss.net

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

The Daily Jaws presents an exclusive, in-depth conversation with Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, recorded as part of the official 50th anniversary celebrations of Jaws. One of cinema’s most iconic performers, Richard sits down with the world’s number one JAWS fan site, The Daily Jaws, for an intimate interview so expansive it could only be told across two parts.

While Richard Dreyfuss did not appear in newly filmed interview footage for the recent National Geographic JAWS@50, The Daily Jaws managed to hook him for a rare and revealing conversation that dives deep into his experience of making the first summer blockbuster.

In part one, Dreyfuss reflects on the film’s extraordinary longevity, his memories of Robert Shaw, and the sense of loss that followed Shaw’s untimely death. He also discusses reuniting with Steven Spielberg and John Williams at the Hollywood Bowl, along with his emotional return to Amity Island itself, Martha’s Vineyard, for the first time since filming wrapped in 1974.

And just when you thought it was safe to sit down for an interview, Jeffrey Kramer drops in to lay down the law.

Presented by Bigger Boat Solutions & The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

Presented in assocation with https://www.richarddreyfuss.net

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

In this 50th anniversary special, The Daily Jaws dives deep into The Farmer and the Shark: A Jaws Tale — the brand new documentary uncovering the life and legacy of Craig Kingsbury, the Martha’s Vineyard local who inspired the character of Quint and portrayed the unforgettable fisherman Ben Gardner in Jaws.

Ross Williams is joined by filmmaker John Campopiano (Pennywise: The Story of IT, Snapper: The Man-Eating Turtle Movie That Never Got Made) and producer Jim Beller (Jaws: Memories from Martha’s Vineyard, Jaws 50: The Definitive Inside Story) to discuss how this long-awaited documentary came to life.

Together, they reveal how they unearthed never-before-seen photos and footage, worked closely with Craig’s daughter Kristen Kingsbury Henshaw, and captured the heart of a man whose voice, wit and spirit helped define one of cinema’s most iconic performances.

The conversation explores:

• How the idea for The Farmer and the Shark was born
• The influence of Craig Kingsbury on Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint
• The team’s archival discoveries and the thrill of finding lost Jaws history
• Why Jaws 50 has been a global celebration of the film’s enduring legacy
• What’s next for the documentary and hopes for distribution
• An essential listen for every Jaws fan and movie lover — celebrating the people, places, and passion that keep Amity Island alive 50 years on.

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

In this special 50th anniversary episode of The Daily Jaws Podcast, Ross Williams sits down with novelist and publisher Jeremy Wagner — also known as the guitarist for death metal legends Broken Hope and one of the world’s foremost collectors of Jaws memorabilia. Jeremy shares how a battered paperback of Jaws first captured his imagination in 1975, why Robert Shaw’s Quint remains his favourite character, and how his passion has grown into one of the largest private Jaws collections on the planet.

The conversation ranges from formative childhood memories and the emotional impact of key scenes, to deep-dive “Jaws therapy” about trauma, heroism, and Spielberg’s suspense. And just when Jeremy thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law — none other than Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks himself).

This episode is part celebration, part analysis, and a heartfelt look at why Jaws continues to resonate 50 years on.

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

For our 50th anniversary series, Ross Williams sits down with Hollywood veteran and lifelong Jaws fan Nick Marra. Nick’s career in special effects and creature creation has spanned films like Sin City, The Hateful Eight, Jurassic Park, and cult favourite Lake Placid - but Jaws has always been the film that shaped his life and work.

In this episode, Nick recalls seeing Jaws for the first time in 1975 and the life-changing impact it had on him. He shares stories of sculpting sharks for Creature and Spy Kids 2, his admiration for the craft that went into “Bruce,” and why Spielberg’s decisions turned setbacks into cinematic gold. Nick also opens up about his encounters with Jaws alumni - from Joe Alves to Robert Shaw’s family and Virginia Jansen - offering rare behind-the-scenes insights into the tension on set and the movie’s near-derailments.

The conversation dives into Jaws’ legacy, Spielberg’s raw genius, whether extended cuts ever work, and why Jaws remains the high watermark of cinema. Nick even answers some of the community’s favourite “controversial questions,” including whether they really needed a bigger boat.

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

For this 50th anniversary special, Ross welcomes back artist, photographer, and shark conservationist Euan Rannachan – the man behind the Jaws photo, the viral image of a great white shark that continues to stop people in their tracks every time it resurfaces online.

Euan reflects on his first time watching Jaws as a child, how the film planted both fear and fascination, and why he sees sharks as “superheroes” of the ocean. He shares stories from his years photographing white sharks up close, how he balances showing their power and their beauty, and the perspective shift that comes from sharing the water with an apex predator.

The conversation also dives into:

• Why kids are often fascinated by sharks while adults lean into fear.
• The fine line between celebrating Jaws and correcting shark misconceptions.
• Shark cinema from Jaws to The Shallows and beyond.
• Whether bigger great whites than “Deep Blue” are still out there.
• The lasting legacy of Jaws for sharks, cinema, and generations of fans.

And just when Euan thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law 

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

In this very special 50th anniversary conversation, Ross welcomes acclaimed actor, writer, and director Andy Nyman to The Daily Jaws Podcast. Known for his standout performances in Peaky Blinders, Severance, Wicked, and the recent miniseries Lockerbie, Andy is also a lifelong Jaws fan whose first encounter with Spielberg’s masterpiece left a lasting impact on his life and career.

Andy recalls seeing Jaws on the big screen as a nine-year-old and how Richard Dreyfuss’ portrayal of Hooper was a revelation — showing him that someone who looked like him could belong in cinema. He shares treasured memorabilia from Universal Studios, discusses how the film sparked his love of horror, and reflects on the lessons he’s carried through his own creative work.

And just when Ian thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law 

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

For this 50th anniversary conversation, Ross is joined by filmmaker and podcaster Jamie Benning, the creator of the celebrated Filmumentaries series and the fan-favourite project Inside Jaws. Jamie has spent years blending behind-the-scenes stories, rare footage and commentary into immersive explorations of cinema’s most iconic films.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Jamie shares his personal journey with Jaws — from first encountering the terrifying poster as a child, to watching the ITV broadcast with millions of others in the early 1980s, and eventually creating Inside Jaws, a painstaking love letter to Spielberg’s classic. He reflects on how the film’s communal cinema experience still resonates today, why its editing, sound design and performances remain timeless, and how it continues to inspire empathy and fear in equal measure.

Jamie and Ross also dive into the importance of collaboration on set, the legacy of Verna Fields, Bill Butler and John Williams, and the way small details — from Brody knocking over paintbrushes to the bell on the buoy — help ground the story. They discuss the book versus the film, the often-maligned sequels, the possibilities for a future Jaws experience, and the cultural impact of shark movies in the years since 1975.

It’s a fascinating conversation with someone who has helped preserve and celebrate the history of Jaws for a new generation of fans.

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

In this episode of The Daily Jaws 50th anniversary series, Ross Williams is joined by one of the UK’s most respected film writers, Ian Nathan. Former editor of Empire magazine, creator of acclaimed behind-the-scenes documentaries and author of numerous books including Steven Spielberg: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work, Ian has spent his career exploring the craft and legacy of cinema’s greatest storytellers. Few know Spielberg’s work — and Jaws — as well as he does.

Ross and Ian talk about the moment he first saw Jaws on VHS and why it changed the way he thought about films, the human drama that makes Brody, Quint and Hooper just as compelling as the shark itself, and how the chaos of the Martha’s Vineyard shoot forced Spielberg to rely on instinct and, in the process, create a masterpiece. They explore the underrated presence of Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, the legacy and limitations of the sequels, and the place of shark cinema in the fifty years since. Ian also shares his favourite shots, his thoughts on which victim he would save, and whether they really did need a bigger boat.

And just when Ian thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law 

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America

In this very special 50th anniversary interview, Ross is joined by British acting and writing royalty, Reece Shearsmith. Best known for Inside No. 9, Psychoville, and as a founding member of The League of Gentlemen, Reece shares his lifelong love of Jaws and the impact the film has had on him as both a fan and a storyteller.

Reece recalls first watching Jaws far too young during the heyday of VHS rentals, and how the film’s blend of horror, humanity, and humour stayed with him for decades. He and Ross dive deep into the layers of the movie, from Spielberg’s claustrophobic second half aboard the Orca, to the naturalistic brilliance of Richard Dreyfuss’ performance, to Murray Hamilton’s quietly devastating arc as Mayor Vaughn (complete with his fake cigarette).

And just when Reece thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.

Reece also brings along a never-before-heard anecdote from director John Landis about his time on Martha’s Vineyard helping to build the infamous jetty scene, offering yet another unique perspective on the making of this cinematic masterpiece.

From choosing which victim he’d save, to debating whether they really did need a bigger boat, to reflecting on why Jaws is still the perfect movie half a century later, this is a conversation packed with insight, humour, and a genuine love for Spielberg’s classic.

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: [email protected].

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America