'Jaws' 50th Anniversary How Spielberg's Masterpiece Was Almost Left Dead in the Water

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"Jaws" proved to be an instant hit upon its debut in 1975, as it terrified moviegoers with its blood-chilling depiction of a shark hunt in the harsh waters of New England.

However, the Steven Spielberg-helmed project has also become notorious for its troubled production in the years since its debut.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the movie's release, we're taking a look back at the worst of the problems that the "Jaws" cast faced on set ... as well as the drama between Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw that nearly doomed the film's production.

Spielberg Wasn't The First Choice To Direct 'Jaws'

Although Spielberg went on to achieve fame and fortune as a filmmaker, he was still in the early stages of his career when "Jaws" went into production ... and he wasn't one of the first choices to direct the project.

Johnny Wactor Final Movie Role Revealed ... Clip Drops Before Premiere

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Johnny Wactor wrapped his final film before he was tragically gunned down last year -- and we’ve got an exclusive scene for you ahead of its world premiere next week.

The late actor stars in the indie drama "Ciao, Mama" ... which will officially premiere at the Dances With Films festival next Tuesday at L.A.’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre -- honoring Wactor’s life the same week his suspected killers return to court.

The movie's premise is about a man returning home to face what he left behind and wrestle with what it means to move forward with his life. Wactor didn’t just act in the film -- he also produced it.

Disney And Pixar's Rocky Road to 'Toy Story 3'

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"Toy Story 3" is officially turning fifteen!

However, the Tom Hanks and Tim Allen-starring string of films almost missed becoming a trilogy ... at least under Pixar's creative vision.

In honor of the feature's fifteenth anniversary, we're taking a look back at what made the Pixar-produced film series so special and enduring for fans both old and new ... and examining the studio's fighting behind the scenes before the third installment's debut in 2010.

Teddy In 'The Hangover Part II' 'Memba Him?!

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Taiwanese-American actor Mason Lee was at the prime age of 21 years old when he was cast to play Teddy -- the studious little brother who gets lost and loses a finger while on a wild bender in Bangkok -- in the 2011 follow-up film "The Hangover Part II."

Joining Lee in the silly shenanigans included Zach Galifianakis as the childish adult who shows a growing sense of maturity since the prequel, Alan, Ed Helms as the dentist grappling with his hangover from the night of partying, Stu and Bradley Cooper as the studly leader of "The Wolfpack," Phil.

Guess what he looks like now!

'Lilo & Stitch' Actor No Foul Play Suspected In Death

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Cops in Hawaii tell TMZ no foul play is suspected in the death of actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, who died suddenly only weeks after his part on Disney's live-action "Lilo & Stitch" hit the big screen.

Police on the Big Island tell us David died June 12 at 2:26 PM and they are looking into the matter ... with the coroner report and autopsy yet to be completed. We're told that information will be key to determining an exact cause of death.

At this time, though, cops say there is no indication foul play was involved ... and the investigation is ongoing.

Brad Pitt Ines Really Revs My Engine

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If life were a race, Brad Pitt would be winning ... look no further than his smoking hot girlfriend.

The A-list actor took his better half to Monday's "F1" movie premiere in New York City ... and Ines is looking incredible in a revealing outfit.

Brad's girlfriend showed off plenty of skin in a sleeveless top and skirt ... and he kept one hand on her busty backside as they mugged for the cameras.

'Lilo and Stitch' Actor David H. K. Bell Dead at 46

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Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell -- who appeared in Disney’s live-action "Lilo & Stitch" -- has died ... his family confirms to TMZ.

David’s sister Jalene initially shared the heartbreaking news in a lengthy Facebook post Sunday, calling him "a generous, funny, brilliant, and handsome little brother" who gave her the unconditional love.

Jalene reflected on their bond and how just two weeks ago, he treated the family to the "Lilo & Stitch" opening night in Kapolei. His final outing with them was watching fans in full Stitch gear, sharing popcorn, and dreaming of shave ice after the film.

Landon In 'A Walk To Remember' 'Memba Him?!

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American actor Shane West was in his early 20s when he was cast to play Landon -- the high school heartthrob who transforms from immature to compassionate -- in the 2002 rom-com classic "A Walk To Remember."

Sharing the big screen with West included Mandy Moore as the loyal, kind and religious high school gal with cancer, Jamie, Lauren German as Jamie's protective and supportive bestie, Belinda, and Peter Coyote as Jamie's strict father and prime minister, Reverend Sullivan.

Landon contributed to the "A Walk To Remember" soundtrack, and today he's a band member of the Twilight Creeps.

Guess what he looks like now!

Lucy Hale It's No Pretty Little Lie ... She's Sizzling in These Hot Shots!!!

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Lucy Hale might be known for "The Hating Game" ... but, her fans aren't going to hate these pics at all -- because we've got her hot shots for ya!

The actress turned 36 on Saturday ... and, she's always a vision in fashionable dress -- proving it's no pretty little lie to say she's got style.

Hale would make Wiz Khalifa proud in this 'fit ... pulling off black and yellow like she was born to wear it.

Gogo In 'Kill Bill: Vol 1' 'Memba Her?!

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Japanese actress and singer Chiaki Kuriyama was just 18 years old when she was cast to play Gogo Yubari -- the 17-year-old bodyguard protecting Lucy Liu's character "Cottonmouth" -- in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 masterpiece "Kill Bill: Vol. 1."

Chiaki shared the big screen with Uma Thurman as the highly skilled martial artist and the callous assassin training under Pai Mei, The Bride, Lucy Liu as the "Queen of the Tokyo Underworld," O-Ren Ishii AKA Cottonmouth, and David Carradine as the calm leader of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, Bill.

She also played Yuko Mizushima in Sion Sono's 2007 movie "Exte."

Guess what she looks like now!

'Scarface' Actor Harris Yulin Dead at 87

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Harris Yulin, the actor best known for his work in "Scarface" and "Ghostbusters," has died, TMZ has confirmed.

His rep tells us ... the acclaimed actor who appeared in dozens of films, TV and Broadway shows over his decades-long career, died Tuesday in NYC after going into cardiac arrest. An exact cause of death has not been released.

Yulin appeared in several blockbusters such as ... "Ghostbusters 2," "Clear and Present Danger," "Training Day" -- and perhaps his most famous ... "Scarface."

Ryan Gosling Rumors of 'Black Panther' Titular Role Re-Casting Complete BS!!!

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Rumors of Ryan Gosling being eyed to take over the Marvel role of Black Panther have spread like wildfire online ... but there is not a vibranium ounce of truth to it, TMZ has learned.

An insider with direct knowledge tells us ... Ryan has not been cast -- nor has he been eyed -- to play an iteration of Black Panther ... the iconic African superhero first played on the big screen by the legendary Chadwick Boseman.

Rumors of the brazen casting have swirled out of control -- even generating headlines -- and it seems this all started from a meme of Ryan's face photoshopped onto Black Panther posted back in 2018 ... and used by haters taking shots at Disney's diversity casting for historically white roles.

Michael Jackson Who Really Killed Him?!? Now Available on YouTube

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Michael Jackson died because Dr. Conrad Murray infused him with a fatal dose of propofol, at least that's the official story ... but it's not the REAL story ... and, our documentary covering it all is now available on YouTube.

A months-long TMZ investigation paints a very different picture than the official narrative ... a picture of numerous doctors who are largely responsible for the King of Pop's death.

Our documentary, "TMZ Investigates: Who REALLY Killed Michael Jackson," hones in on one doctor in particular ... the late Arnold Klein, a famous dermatologist with a practice in Beverly Hills.

Diddy Onscreen Prison Fit Snatched Up For $24K!!!

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Diddy’s prison getup from one of his first big film roles just hit the auction block -- and it sold for a seriously jaw-dropping price.

An overseas collector just dropped $24,510 on Diddy’s cinematic prison ensemble -- consisting of a gray hoodie, jeans with one pant leg chopped off, and black shoes -- from the 2001 romantic-thriller "Monster's Ball" ... GWS Auctions tells TMZ.

The outfit is worn by Diddy in the early scenes of the movie before his character meets his grim fate on Death Row.

Jessica Baker In 'Cheaper By The Dozen' 'Memba Her?!

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American actress Liliana Mumy was only 9 years old when she first played Jessica Baker -- the intelligent twin sister who loves algebra and holds hands with her siblings Kim and Mark on the first day of school -- in the 2003 family/comedy film "Cheaper By The Dozen."

Mumy shared the big screen with Hollywood greats like Steve Martin as the funny dad and football coach, Tom Baker, Bonnie Hunt as the loving mother, Kate Baker and Hilary Duff as Jessica's older sister, who is into makeup and fashion, Lorraine Baker.

Liliana reprised her role for the sequel, "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" in 2005.

Guess what she looks like now!

Jamie Foxx The Highs, The Hell, and The Healing ... His Unstoppable Hustle

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TMZ TIMELINE: JAMIE FOXX

Jamie Foxx has lived many Hollywood lives -- party boy, Oscar winner, heartbreaker, survivor, and more.

If you know anything about him, you know Jamie works hard, and plays harder -- from training full throttle to play Mike Tyson, to dodging Katie Holmes rumors, to living large in Vegas (even if he's found himself in a scuffle or two).

Then came the real scare -- a mystery illness in 2023 that turned out to be a life-threatening brain bleed.

But in true Foxx fashion, he bounced back both professionally and personally the next year -- back onstage thanks to Netflix, and walking his daughter down the aisle. Hit our timeline to see the full wild ride.