WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHARK MOVIES WE EXPECTED IN 2021?
2021 was meant to be the year of the shark movie. With 5 exciting titles in the works, cinemas were going to be shark film infested… but alas 2021 had other plans. Some titles have been languishing in production limbo, some look to have shelved all together with only one making it to the surface. Read on to learn what happened to the shark movies we were hoping to see.
ALPHAS
Synopsis: After the government shuts all attempts to cull a Great White feeding ground off of their coast, the only option left is to introduce their natural enemy into those same waters, led by a damaged and unpredictable Killer Whale.
Stars: Sam Worthington
Director: Steven Quayle
News: Alphas has been in shark-movie-development for quite a while but sadly appears to be no nearer to hitting cinema screens or streaming services. With no news at all during 2021, we can only assume COVID disruptions and Sam Worthington’s Avatar 2 commitments have put the project into a holding pattern.
Director Steven Quayle has worked closely with James Cameron on numerous projects including Titanic and Avatar. With effects house BUF (Bladerunner 2049) and Important Looking Pirates (The Shallows) will handle the creature effects, and world-renowned Pete Zuccarini (Avatar and Pirates Of The Caribbean franchises) shoot the underwater sequences. Here's hoping we get some practical effects as well. With talent like this involved, ALPHA could a great shark movie. As soon as any news breaks, we will let you know as we are just as excited to see this one as you are!
SOMETHING IN THE WATER
Synopsis: Five female friends who come together to celebrate a wedding in a beautiful, remote location. One day before the wedding, as a treat, they go on a boat trip which descends into the stuff of nightmares.
Stars: Unknown
Director: Gaby Dellal
News: Producer Noel Clarke (Kidulthood, Buletproof) was accused of groping, harassment and bullying by 20 women and does not appear to have been active since. We can only assume that Something In The Water is now dead in the water. We will keep you up to date on this project as would be great to see a female ensemble lead shark movie.
GREAT WHITE
Synopsis: A fun filled flight to a remote atoll turns into a nightmare for five passengers when their seaplane is destroyed in a freak accident and they are trapped on a raft, 100 miles from shore with man-eating sharks lurking beneath the surface.
Stars: Katrina Bowden, Aaron Jakubenko, Kimie Tsukakoshi
Director: Martin Wilson
News: Great White was released on June 11th 2021 (Aus), with a wider release in July to mixed reviews. Some found the story and acting tired but applauded the cinematography and effects. Given the modest production, it’s a valiant attempt at a genuinely thrilling shark movie that actually made it to screens in 2021 for us to enjoy.
THE REEF: STALKED (THE REEF 2)
After her sister's murder, Nic, her younger sister and two friends seek solace through a Pacific island kayaking adventure. Hours into the trip the women are stalked by a shark and must band together, face their fears and save each other.
Stars: Ann Truong, Teressa Liane, Kameron Hood
Director: Andrew Traucki
News: The Reef: Stalked is officially in post production. Having been scheduled for release in summer 2021, The Reef: Stalked is expected to be released at a similar time in 2022.
MEG 2: THE TRENCH
Synopsis: Plot unknown. May follow author Steve Alten’s book of the same name but this is unconfirmed. While speaking to entertainment site DenOfGeek in April 2021, director Ben Wheatley hinted that the film might see Jason Statham facing off against not one but several giant, prehistoric sharks.
Stars: Jason Statham
Director: Ben Wheatley
News: Currently, plot and production details for Meg 2: The Trench being kept more secure than Quint’s secret stash of Apricot brandy. We do know that the story is set 4 years after The Meg (2018) and that Jason Statham is returning as Jonas Taylor. And that it will probably feature a trench. Shooting is due to start January 2022.
Words by Ross Williams
If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page
For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.