Piranha (1978) - Roger Corman's Jaws Knockoff That Launched Careers

We’re wrapping up Jawsploitation month with Joe Dante’s 1978 cult classic Piranha!

When genetically engineered killer fish are accidentally released into a Texas river, it’s a race to stop them before they reach a children’s summer camp. But behind this low-budget Jaws knockoff is an impressive collection of future Hollywood talent.

Chuck and Matt dive into Roger Corman’s knack for discovering filmmakers, Joe Dante’s early career, John Sayles’ first produced screenplay, and the contributions of future effects legends Rob Bottin and Phil Tippett. We also look at the film’s wonderfully low-budget practical effects, surprising sense of humor, memorable cast, and why Steven Spielberg reportedly considered Piranha the best of the Jaws imitators

Nearly 50 years later, does Piranha still have enough bite to groove through the decades—or has this school of killer fish finally lost its beat?

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