Simon Pegg: JAWS 50th anniversary interview

Listen to Simon’s interview on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

For this special 50th anniversary edition of The Daily Jaws Podcast, we welcome actor, writer, and pop culture icon Simon Pegg—a lifelong Jaws devotee who brings his signature insight and infectious enthusiasm to a conversation about the film that changed cinema forever.

Simon is best known as co-creator and star of Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World's End—the Edgar Wright-directed Cornetto Trilogy that helped define a new era of British cinema. He’s also played key roles in some of the world’s biggest franchises, including Star Trek (as Scotty), Mission: Impossible (as Benji Dunn), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens (as Unkar Plutt), making him one of the few actors to bridge all three major sci-fi universes.

But before all of that, Simon was a kid watching Jaws on VHS, unknowingly absorbing the power of visual storytelling. In this episode, he joins The Daily Jaws founder Ross Williams to unpack his deep affection for Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece. Simon describes Jaws as “a cascade of moments,” an emotional and technical masterclass that delivers something extraordinary in every frame.

Together, they explore why the film endures—not just as a monster movie, but as an exquisitely observed character drama. Simon reflects on the genius of Spielberg’s framing, the naturalism of the cast, and how the limitations of a broken shark led to some of cinema’s most iconic scenes. He discusses the legacy of Jaws in his own creative work, shares personal Spielberg anecdotes, and even picks which victim he’d save if only one could survive (spoiler: it’s got four legs and fur). And just when he thinks it’s safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest crashes the interview to lay down the law.

This episode is a love letter to the film that continues to inspire actors, directors, and writers—and a must-listen for anyone who believes the greatest movie ever made begins with two notes in the dark.

Brought to you by our friends at Stern Pinball, creators of the official Jaws pinball machine.

In proud support of: Minorities In Shark Sciences (MISS) & Tourette Association of America

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