Original Unreleased JAWS Movie Poster Art
Before Steven Spielberg’s Jaws changed blockbuster history and sent millions running from the ocean, the studio was already toying with how to sell the terror.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, I came accross this rarely seen original poster concept, while at WonderCon earlier this year.
It reveals a very different approach to the film’s marketin, with a tagline that reads “One man against a giant killer shark and a town that won’t face the truth.” It’s an early pitch that leaned closer to Peter Benchley’s novel than the ensemble-driven thriller we know today.
Notably, none of the now-iconic leads are listed, and Benchley is the only credited screenwriter, which is a strong hint that this poster was likely whipped up during pre-production.
This alternate poster for Jaws feels raw, almost like a grindhouse thriller. While this poster was never released, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how drastically a film’s tone can shift from conception to completion.
