Did you know?

Generally credited as the first summer blockbuster.
Richard Dreyfuss was going to pass on the role of Hooper but after watching one of his just released films, he figured it was bad enough he better take any job he can get.
Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss did not like each other. Shaw felt like Dreyfuss was an arrogant young punk and Dreyfuss felt like Shaw was being too rough on him.
Peter Benchley's novel contained a middle section of Hooper and Chief Brody's wife having an affair. Good novel but ITO it was a smart move by Spielberg to not work that into the film.
There were numerous issues with "Bruce" the mechanical shark. It worked when tested in fresh water but often would not function when shooting in saltwater in New England.
Spielberg decided to shoot the close up of Hooper in the cage up against the shark using a little person. Made the shark look huge
Peter Benchley later regretted writing the novel. He felt like sharks (and great whites specifically) became unduly deserved monsters. Frankly TNT doesn't get this at all. Sharks are just feeding and humans look like juicy corn dogs floating on the surface. Sharks need to eat too.

There is other stuff but TNT had WAY too much Major Melon Zero today and so things are a bit foggy. However he will leave this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9S41Kplsbs