Jaws Star Opens Up About Feud Rumors with Steven Spielberg

Article Overview

Richard Dreyfuss denies the existence of a feud between him and costar Robert Shaw on the set of Jaws, expressing that it was blown out of proportion.

Dreyfuss strongly disagrees with director Steven Spielberg's involvement in spreading this ongoing rumor, particularly since it is portrayed in the theatrical production of The Shark Is Broken.

The initial account of the Dreyfuss and Shaw conflict surfaced in 2010, when a documentary shed light on the intense and strained relationship between the two actors during filming.

Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss addresses rumors surrounding his alleged feud with Steven Spielberg on the iconic film. Dreyfuss, along with co-stars Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider, portrayed a group of men hunting down a killer shark in the 1975 movie, which holds a significant place in Spielberg's career. Speculations have persisted regarding the dynamic between Dreyfuss and the late Shaw during production, and this supposed rivalry takes center stage in the Broadway play The Shark Is Broken, co-written by Ian Shaw, Robert's son, which explores the making of Jaws.

Nearly five decades later, Dreyfuss shares his thoughts on the rumored feud in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. The actor vehemently denies the existence of any rivalry and expresses his dismay at not being consulted about his on-set experiences in relation to the play. Dreyfuss describes the experience of watching the play as "quite distressing." Read his comment below:

After thirty years since the conclusion of the film, rumors of a feud began to circulate. Initially, I didn't pay much attention to it. I believed that they never really thought about the consequences it would have on me, but it ended up hurting me nonetheless. I must clarify that both Carl Gottlieb, the co-screenwriter of Jaws, and Steven Spielberg knew the truth. There was no actual feud between us.

What people witnessed on set was simply playful banter that we shared. However, if one only observed us during those moments, they might have mistaken it for a genuine feud. But I want to emphasize that it was never real, not at any point. I must admit that I hold Carl and Steven responsible for perpetuating this misconception. Despite having immense respect for Steven's directing abilities, I can't say the same for his capabilities as a true friend.

What's Been Said About Dreyfuss & Shaw's Jaws Feud

The relationship between Dreyfuss' character, Hooper, and Shaw's character, Quint, is characterized by increasing hostility throughout the film Jaws. The contrasting personalities of the two characters create a tense atmosphere aboard the boat. In the documentary Jaws: The Inside Story, released in 2010, Dreyfuss shared his experience working on the film and revealed that while Shaw was kind in private, he could be quite troublesome on set. Scheider, who sadly passed away in 2008, commented on the dynamic before his death, suggesting that Shaw's behavior towards Dreyfuss was potentially influenced by the younger actor's lack of experience and over-confidence. It is also widely known that Shaw consumed alcohol heavily during the making of Jaws, which further added to the tense atmosphere. One memorable incident involved Dreyfuss knocking a glass of bourbon out of Shaw's hand and into the ocean. In response, Shaw retaliated by soaking Dreyfuss with a hose.

Spielberg later commented on the alleged feud during the filming of Jaws, suggesting that it possibly enhanced their performances. The release of The Shark is Broken in 2019 further fueled the controversy, but Dreyfuss strongly denies its accuracy, considering it to be entirely fictional. As the sole surviving member among the three stars, Dreyfuss's recent remarks indicate his determination to correct the narrative surrounding his experience making the movie.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have a few thoughts on the article.

First, I think it's interesting that Richard Dreyfuss is speaking out about this feud now, after all these years. It seems like he's finally had enough of the rumors and wants to set the record straight.

Second, I'm surprised to hear that Steven Spielberg is involved in this feud. I always thought of him as a pretty level-headed guy, but it sounds like he may have played a role in perpetuating the rumors.

Lastly, I think it's a shame that this feud has overshadowed the legacy of Jaws. Jaws is a classic film, and it's a shame that the drama behind the scenes has overshadowed the actual movie.