Former Mattel executive reimagines the JAWS toy line that never was
GREENSBORO, NC, September 2026 – What if Jaws had received the same kind of action figure and playset treatment that Star Wars would make famous just two years later?
In a new video from Spector Creative, longtime toy industry executive and content creator Scott Neitlich answers that question by developing a complete conceptual toy line based on Steven Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster.
While Jaws inspired an enormous range of merchandise, it never received the comprehensive, interconnected action figure and playset line that became a cornerstone of movie merchandising following Star Wars. Neitlich sets out to show what that line could have looked like, using the film's characters, vehicles, props and most memorable moments as the foundation for a full retail toy program.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the toy industry, including a decade at Mattel, Neitlich takes viewers through the actual process of building a movie-based toy line, from selecting characters and establishing assortments to developing action features, packaging and retailer exclusives.
The imagined Jaws collection includes:
three waves of 3¾-inch action figures featuring Brody, Quint, Hooper, Mayor Vaughn and other Amity Island residents.
a full-scale Orca playset and deluxe figures with interactive boat sections.
a giant shark with action features, including barrel-launching play.
a six-inch collector line, The Amity Island Series, featuring premium versions of the film's central characters and a 25-inch shark.
role-play toys, bath toys and exclusive products designed for major retailers.
Throughout the video, Neitlich explains the differences between children's toys and adult collectibles, why certain characters and accessories are selected, how different price points support a complete toy line, and how toy companies develop products that appeal to both children and longtime fans.
The result is part love letter to Jaws, part alternate toy history and part educational look behind the curtain of the toy industry.
Watch the complete video
The project is an independent creative exercise intended to demonstrate the toy development process. The designs are conceptual and are not officially licensed or available for purchase.
ABOUT SPECTOR CREATIVE
Founded by Scott Neitlich, Spector Creative explores the intersection of toys, movies, popular culture and storytelling.
With a career spanning Mattel, Jada Toys and independent product development, Neitlich brings an insider's perspective to the entertainment and consumer products industries. His YouTube channel features toy history, behind-the-scenes industry insights, film analysis and explorations of the stories behind some of the world's most recognizable entertainment properties.
Neitlich is also an author whose books explore overlooked stories from history, including The Nile Quest, Columbus' Secret Mission, The Dinosaur War, Portugal's Secret Map and Operation Middle Earth.
WATCH MORE VIDEOS AND EXPLORE SPECTOR CREATIVE
Discover more toy industry history, film analysis and behind-the-scenes stories on the Spector Creative YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@SpectorCreative
Readers interested in historical adventures can also read the first chapter of any of Scott's books for free at:
https://www.spectorcreative.com/publishing
MEDIA CONTACT
Scott Neitlich, MBA
Founder and Creative Director
Spector Creative