OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The movie “Jaws” came out June 20, 1975, and changed American cinema forever. Directed by an unproven 27-year-old director named Steven Spielberg–who at the time had only one previous theatrical film release under his belt–and nearly scuttled by an unfinished script, vastly overrun budget and recalcitrant mechanical shark named Bruce, “Jaws” became the top-grossing film in history and the first bona fide summer blockbuster.
It’s fitting, then, that the Marion Theatre plans to pay tribute to the movie–which largely takes place over a Fourth of July weekend–in the heat of the season. The downtown Ocala entertainment mainstay will present “JAWS: A Deep Dive” on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
This event is much more than an opportunity for those who haven’t to see the film on the big screen. (As if that wasn’t enough reason to go.) The evening will also include live audience trivia, a comparison between the movie and Peter Benchley’s source novel, and plenty of discussion about the movie and its journey from book to screens nationwide. The whole thing is hosted by Ocala’s own film historian and podcaster, Dana Buckler.
‘JAWS: A Deep Dive” offers a unique companion experience to viewing one of America’s truly iconic films on the big screen, and for cinephiles and casual movie lovers alike, it’s a night not to be missed–which means you should probably get your tickets before they disappear into the belly of the beast.
Doors for the event open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. The Marion Theatre is located at 50 S. Magnolia Ave. in downtown Ocala.