Take a Bite Out Of This: Behind the Scenes Facts About Jaws

George Lucas Got His Head Stuck In The Shark

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Photo Credit: Universal Studios

“Bruce,” the mechanical shark gave Spielberg more than a little trouble throughout filming. However, one incident occurred before filming had even begun. George Lucas came to visit Spielberg and uncredited Jaws screenwriter John Milius, and they took him into the special effects shop. Lucas proceeded to put his head inside Bruce’s mouth, and Spielberg and Milius closed the jaws on him as a prank.

The only problem was that the mechanics failed and Lucas’ head was trapped in the shark’s closed mouth. They had to pry the jaws open to rescue Lucas. This instance was foreshadowing of the trouble Bruce would give them in the future.