Jaws 2 is a 1978 American horror thriller film directed by Jeannot Szwarc and co-written by Carl Gottlieb.
It is the sequel to Steven Spielberg's acclaimed film Jaws (1975) and the second installment in the Jaws franchise. The film stars Roy Scheider reprising his role as Police Chief Martin Brody, alongside Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody and Murray Hamilton as Mayor Larry Vaughn. The story is set four years after the events of the original film, where a new great white shark begins to terrorize the waters around the resort town of Amity Island.
The plot follows Chief Brody as he faces the return of a monstrous shark that threatens the safety of the community and vacationers. Despite the previous shark attacks, the town is unprepared for the renewed threat. Brody's concerns are dismissed by the town officials, leading him to take matters into his own hands as he attempts to protect the citizens and tourists from the deadly predator. The film features various thrilling sequences, including a helicopter attack and the shark's encounters with water skiers and divers.
Jaws 2 was produced on a budget of approximately $20 million and was released on June 16, 1978. It opened to a strong box office performance, grossing over $208 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Despite its commercial success, the film received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated its entertainment value and thrilling moments, others felt it lacked the suspense and depth of the original film. The tagline, "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water," became iconic and is often referenced in popular culture.
The film's production faced challenges, including the replacement of the original director, John Hancock, with Jeannot Szwarc due to creative differences. The screenplay was developed by Carl Gottlieb and Howard Sackler, and John Williams returned to compose the score, which contributed to the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Although Jaws 2 is often viewed as a lesser sequel compared to its predecessor, it has garnered a following over the years and is recognized for its contributions to the horror thriller genre.