EXCLUSIVE: Coverage of the JAWS at 50 Panel from WONDERCON 2026!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to a convention… the creators who brought you the Jaws at 50 panel at San Diego Comic Con last July got the band back together for a sequel at Wondercon in Anaheim, CA.

Moderator Mark Atkinson (actor/filmmaker) came out in character as the iconic Quint. He then gave energetic intros for fellow panelists Chris Gore (film critic and founder of Film Threat), Pat Jankiewicz (author of “Just When You Thought it was Safe: A Jaws Companion), and Steph Cannon (freelance columnist for Fangoria and co-owner of Insymmetry Creations).

Mark Atkinson dressed as Quint moderating the JAWS panel

The panel, that was once again sponsored by THE CON GUY, started off with musings about why Jaws could arguably be considered the best film of all time, and what the movie means to each of them specifically. From there, attendees were treated to a video message from actor Jeffrey Kramer (who played Hendricks in the film), as well as footage taken last Summer by The Con Guy of the 50th anniversary celebration in Martha’s Vineyard (where the movie was filmed.)

New to the discussion at Wondercon was the inclusion of the Jaws Exhibit at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Hollywood. A video segment was shown of the exhibit itself, while Atkinson, Gore, and Cannon gave their thoughts on experiencing it in person.

JAWS The Exhbition in Los Angeles, with Steph Cannon by the iconic Amity billboard

They also talked about JAWS impact on pop culture and Pat Jankiewicz promoted his new Antarctic Press comic COSPLAYER! VERSUS SHARK.

Here are some additional thoughts from the panelists about being able to sit on Wondercon’s stage to once again talk about this iconic movie:

Mark Atkinson: “We had such a great turnout and a lot of positive feedback from the JAWS 50th panel we did at Comic-Con last summer that I wanted to do it again.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our planned JAWS 50th panel at LA Comic-Con last fall due to very unfortunate circumstances. Even though it is 2026, it is still technically within the 50th anniversary of JAWS release in 1975.

So, I said why not do it again and get the band back together. I threw it out there and I was pleased to hear that Chris Gore, Pat Jankiewicz and Steph Cannon were all on board and thrilled to do it again. And I’m glad they did because we once again had a good turnout and positive feedback at WonderCon as well. It just goes to show you that after 50 years, JAWS is still considered one of the greatest movies ever made!”

Steph Cannon: “Jaws has been my favorite film for as long as I can remember. It’s what first compelled me to want to be a writer and create stories of my own that would captivate people in the same way I was as a child, watching it for the first time. Being asked to sit on the first panel at San Diego Comic Con was a dream come true, especially amongst such esteemed fellow fans and creators.

Getting the opportunity to participate a second time at Wondercon was truly an honor. I especially loved having the ability to attend the Jaws exhibit and talk about my time there, and I’m beyond grateful for the chance to sit on stage and geek out over my love of the movie.”

Pat Jankiewicz: “JAWS’ effect on pop culture over the last 50 years is nothing short of amazing, basically creating modern movie marketing and merchandising.”

Chris Gore: “JAWS really is the perfect movie. There are so many great little parts & characters, including extras that were non-actors / residents of Martha’s Vineyard!”

Photo Credits: Noah Cannon & Other assorted panel attendees

We appreciate THE DAILY JAWS for allowing us to collaborate with them on this article. Be safe out there everyone, and don’t enter the water if you see a dorsal fin out there, no matter what Mayor Vaughn says.

Article assembled by Matt Knowles, on behalf of Steph Cannon, Mark Atkinson, Pat Jankiewicz, Chris Gore, and The Daily Jaws

Get your hands on PAT JANKIEWICZ’ most recent SHARK related content The comic ‘COSPLAYER vs SHARK’ from Antarctic Press

STEPH CANNON’s most recent SHARK related content The ‘MISFITZ CLUBHOUSE: All The Shenanigans So Far’ graphic novel, featuring appearances by breakout character Bruce McTootherson: Aquatic Investigator is available now.

CHRIS GORE’s Tomatometer-approved INDIE FILM promotion and review website - FILM THREAT - CHECK IT OUT HERE or you can check them out on Youtube!

To learn more about PANEL HOST Mark Atkinson, check out his IMDB, and his INSTAGRAM!

To check out panel sponsor: The CON GUY on Youtube.