Disney Just Stole ‘JAWS’ 50th Anniversary —And Universal Let It Happen
There’s no love lost between Disney and Universal. The rivalry is as old as their parks themselves. One is known for pixie dust and fireworks, the other for fire-breathing dragons and flying cars. And while the competition is usually pretty direct—rides, lands, and movies—this time, Disney played the long game.
Let’s just say this move wasn’t loud. But it was sharp.
And it may have taken Universal completely off guard.
Magic Meets Mayhem
From Magic Kingdom’s charm to Universal’s thrill-filled worlds, the two companies have competed in everything from storytelling to crowd control. And over the years, Universal has built up its identity on titles that scream edge and attitude—Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, JAWS, and countless others.
Not only was JAWS a legendary film, but it also had a killer presence at the parks. Universal Studios Florida guests knew exactly what to expect on that boat ride: water, chaos, and a shark leaping from the depths. It was thrilling, memorable, and totally Universal.
That’s why fans are buzzing over what just happened.
The Shark That Built a Studio
There’s no overstating the impact of JAWS (1975). Spielberg’s ocean thriller terrified moviegoers and made summer box office history. It became one of the most valuable pieces of Universal’s brand for decades.
So, if there were any big celebrations to honor the movie’s 50th anniversary, you’d assume Universal would be behind them… right?
Wrong.
Disney saw the opportunity to make JAWS their own and ran with it.
Enter Disney, Stage Left
In a move no one saw coming, Disney—through National Geographic—produced a sleek new documentary honoring the 50th anniversary of JAWS. It’s an in-depth look at the film’s legacy, the production nightmare Spielberg went through, and how the movie changed everything about modern filmmaking.
Yep, Disney’s name is right there on it.
That fact alone is enough to make any theme park diehard do a double-take.
Not Stolen, But Definitely Claimed
Of course, Disney didn’t swipe the rights to JAWS—Universal still owns the shark. But by creating and distributing this anniversary special, Disney took control of the moment. They celebrated the milestone before Universal could make its own waves.
This wasn’t about ownership. It was about presence, and Disney showed up.
Who Really Won?
So here we are. JAWS turned 50, and the most high-profile tribute didn’t come from its home studio—it came from the Mouse. It’s clever, kind of funny, and just a little savage.
Universal may still hold the leash on the shark, but Disney’s now walking it around the block.
And in this round of the Disney vs. Universal saga, the ocean’s biggest predator has a brand-new handler.
