Jaws 2 (1978)

Jaws 2 (1978) is the direct sequel to Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking Jaws (1975). Directed by Jeannot Szwarc, the film once again brings terror to the waters of Amity Island, proving that sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.

Detailed Summary

Trouble Returns to Amity

Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) is still traumatized from his first encounter with a great white shark. Life in Amity seems to have gone back to normal, but when divers go missing and strange incidents occur in the waters, Brody’s instincts kick in. Unlike the townspeople, he immediately suspects another shark is lurking nearby.

The Town’s Denial

Brody tries to warn the Amity town council, but much like in the first film, they dismiss his claims as paranoia. After all, what are the odds of two killer sharks targeting the same small island? This denial sets up the tension between Brody and the town, isolating him further as events escalate.

Teenagers in Peril

The narrative shifts focus to a group of teenagers—among them Brody’s sons, Mike and Sean—who head out for some sailing fun. This group becomes the shark’s main target, giving the sequel a more teen-centric slasher-film vibe compared to the original’s survivalist adventure.

The Shark Revealed

This time, the shark is visually distinct: scarred and partially burned after being electrocuted near a boat. The sequel wastes little time showing the beast, unlike Spielberg’s original where the shark’s reveal was carefully delayed.

Movie Ending

In the climax, the shark relentlessly stalks the stranded teenagers whose boats are lashed together in a desperate attempt at survival. Brody, realizing his sons are among the group, sets out to rescue them. Armed only with a small motorboat and his determination, he faces off against the shark one-on-one.

The final confrontation is both tense and resourceful. Brody uses a power cable floating in the water to lure the shark. By repeatedly striking the cable with an oar, he attracts the shark toward the electrified danger zone. At the last possible moment, the shark bites into the cable, receiving a massive surge of electricity. Smoke, fire, and thrashing ensue until the shark is fried and finally killed.

The teenagers are rescued, Brody survives, and Amity Island is once again safe—at least until Jaws 3-D. Unlike the original’s quiet, bittersweet ending, Jaws 2 opts for a more explosive and action-oriented conclusion.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Jaws 2 does not have a post-credits scene. Once the shark is killed and the survivors are saved, the story concludes definitively.

Type of Movie

Jaws 2 is a horror-thriller with strong adventure and survival elements. Compared to the original, it leans more into suspense-driven action with a teenage slasher undertone.

Cast

• Roy Scheider as Chief Martin Brody
• Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody
• Murray Hamilton as Mayor Larry Vaughn
• Joseph Mascolo as Len Peterson
• Ann Dusenberry as Tina
• Mark Gruner as Mike Brody
• Marc Gilpin as Sean Brody

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by John Williams, returning from the first film. Williams reuses the iconic shark motif while introducing more urgent, dramatic themes to emphasize the heightened action and suspense.

Filming Locations

• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: The returning location from Jaws, used again to maintain continuity for Amity Island.
• Navarre Beach, Florida: Used for several of the ocean scenes due to calmer waters and better shooting conditions.

These locations provided both realism and logistical support for the complex shark animatronic sequences.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated for a Saturn Award (Best Horror Film).
• Received praise for John Williams’ score, though it did not achieve the critical acclaim of the original.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Roy Scheider originally did not want to return for the sequel but was contractually obligated.
• The mechanical shark used in Jaws 2 was more advanced than in the first film, though it still suffered constant breakdowns.
• The tagline, “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water”, became one of the most famous movie taglines ever.
• Director Jeannot Szwarc wanted more action and less character drama compared to Spielberg’s approach.

Inspirations and References

While based on Peter Benchley’s original concept from Jaws, the sequel is largely an original screenplay. It took inspiration from slasher-style horror trends of the late 1970s, focusing more on teen victims and suspense-driven sequences.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• Early drafts reportedly included different shark attacks, but most were cut for pacing.
• A deleted scene involved more character development for the teenagers, but Universal trimmed it to emphasize shark action.

Book Adaptations and Differences

A novelization of Jaws 2 was released, adding more psychological depth to Brody and background detail about the shark attacks. The book places more emphasis on Brody’s inner turmoil than the movie does.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The water skier attack, ending with the shark charging into and blowing up the boat.
• Brody panicking on the beach, firing his gun into the water at what he thinks is a shark, only for it to be a false alarm.
• The teenagers clinging together on lashed boats, surrounded by the shark.
• The electrifying climax with the power cable.

Iconic Quotes

• Mayor Vaughn: “I don’t think you appreciate the gut reaction people have to these things.”
• Tagline (off-screen, marketing): “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The shark’s burn scars visually differentiate it, symbolizing nature’s resilience against human attempts to kill it.
• The boating teenagers mirror the youthful recklessness often punished in slasher films, foreshadowing later 80s horror tropes.
• Several props from the first Jaws film reappear in the Brody household.

Trivia

• Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody) returned in this film and later in Jaws: The Revenge (1987).
• Universal originally considered making the sequel a prequel, focusing on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, but dropped the idea.
• The shark in Jaws 2 is on screen much more than in the first film.

Why Watch?

If the original Jaws is a masterclass in suspense, Jaws 2 is a thrilling, more action-packed sequel. It doesn’t reach the same artistic heights, but it offers one of the better “killer shark” movies ever made, with memorable kills, suspenseful teen-in-peril sequences, and John Williams’ iconic music.

Director’s Other Movies (Jeannot Szwarc)

• Somewhere in Time (1980)
• Supergirl (1984)
• Enigma (1982)
• Numerous episodes of TV shows like Smallville and Grey’s Anatomy

Recommended Films for Fans

• Jaws (1975)
• Jaws 3-D (1983)
• Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
• Piranha (1978)
• Deep Blue Sea (1999)
• The Meg (2018)