Mike Flanagan wants to make a new JAWS movie – and he thinks the sequels could be improved
More than 50 years after JAWS first terrified audiences and changed cinema forever, the possibility of another trip into shark-infested waters continues to fascinate filmmakers and fans alike.
Now, one of modern horror's most respected directors has thrown his hat into the ring.
Mike Flanagan, the filmmaker behind Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass and The Fall of the House of Usher, has expressed his desire to tackle the legendary shark franchise.
During a recent Reddit Ask Me Anything session promoting his adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, Flanagan discussed his changing attitude towards sequels and established franchises.
"It's so funny to me because I spent a lot of my career thinking I wouldn't do franchises or sequels, and – whoops – but I really love getting to play in a world I know and respect and adore, and put my own spin on it."
He then made a surprising admission:
"Honestly, I wish to hell I could make a JAWS movie."
Could Mike Flanagan Bring JAWS Back to the Big Screen?
Flanagan was quick to acknowledge the enormous challenge of following Steven Spielberg's original film.
"Another example where no one will EVER get close to the original, but there is a ton of room for improvement on the sequels," he explained.
It's a sentiment that will undoubtedly resonate with many JAWS fans.
Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster remains one of the most influential films ever made, combining unforgettable characters, extraordinary suspense and John Williams' iconic score to create a cinematic experience that has endured for generations.
Its three sequels, however, have enjoyed considerably more complicated reputations.
While JAWS 2 (1978) has developed a loyal following and is widely regarded as the strongest of the follow-ups, JAWS 3-D (1983) and JAWS: The Revenge (1987) have frequently been criticised for failing to capture the magic of the original.
Flanagan's comments suggest that he sees an opportunity to revisit the world of JAWS without attempting to recreate Spielberg's masterpiece.
Why Mike Flanagan Could Be an Interesting Choice for JAWS
What makes Flanagan particularly intriguing is his approach to horror.
Rather than relying entirely on jump scares or spectacle, his work frequently explores grief, trauma, family relationships and the emotional consequences of terrifying experiences.
Those themes are arguably closer to the heart of JAWS than many people realise.
Spielberg's film was never simply about a giant shark. It was about fear, responsibility, community and three very different men forced to confront something far beyond their control.
Martin Brody's struggle to protect Amity Island, Quint's traumatic memories of the USS Indianapolis and Hooper's fascination with sharks gave the film a human dimension that elevated it above a conventional monster movie.
A filmmaker capable of balancing compelling characters with genuine terror could potentially find new storytelling opportunities within that world.
And crucially, Flanagan appears to understand that the original film isn't something that needs improving.
JAWS Isn't the Only Spielberg Franchise on His Wish List
During the same Reddit discussion, Flanagan also expressed enthusiasm for another of Spielberg's most famous creations: Jurassic Park.
"A JURASSIC movie could be a blast too, I'd want to go really scary with it. A true dinosaur horror film would be a blast."
Unlike the Jurassic franchise, which has continued to produce new films for decades, JAWS has remained absent from cinemas since JAWS: The Revenge in 1987.
Despite the enduring popularity of the original film, no fifth theatrical instalment has materialised.
Should JAWS Return?
For many fans, the question isn't simply whether another JAWS movie could be made, but whether one should be made.
The original remains a near-perfect example of cinematic storytelling, and any filmmaker attempting to revive the franchise would inevitably face comparisons with Spielberg's achievement.
However, the world of JAWS offers more possibilities than simply sending another enormous great white shark after unsuspecting swimmers.
The legacy of Amity Island, the consequences of its infamous shark attacks and the generations of characters who might still be affected by those events could provide fertile ground for a new story.
Flanagan's experience with character-driven horror, combined with his obvious respect for the original, makes him an interesting name to add to the conversation.
Of course, there is currently no indication that Flanagan is attached to a new JAWS production, and his comments reflect a personal ambition rather than an announced project.
Nevertheless, more than half a century after Bruce first appeared on cinema screens, it's fascinating to hear a filmmaker of Flanagan's calibre express such enthusiasm for returning to those waters.
Would you trust Mike Flanagan to bring JAWS back to the big screen, or should Spielberg's shark be left alone?
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