As “Meg 2: The Trench” swims into theaters, audiences are once again captivated by the ancient and colossal predator known as the megalodon. This fearsome shark, which first appeared in the 1997 novel “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror” by Steve Alten and later became the star of the “Meg” film franchise, is making waves on the big screen with its sheer size and appetite for destruction.
The appeal of the megalodon comes down to the fear factor. Picture yourself in a boat, and you spot a 15-foot great white shark swimming nearby. Now, imagine a gargantuan 60-foot megalodon gliding through the water. Which one would terrify you more? It’s no surprise that bigger is better in the world of movie monsters, especially when the creature in question is capable of swallowing you whole.
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In the first “Meg” film, we were introduced to Jonas Taylor, portrayed by Jason Statham, and a group of scientists who faced off against the largest shark ever known to mankind. Now, in the sequel directed by Ben Wheatley, the danger level is cranked up several notches as Jonas and his team encounter not one, but three megalodons that hunt in a pack, along with other colossal sea creatures from the mysterious depths of the Mariana Trench.
For Ben Wheatley, the director of “Meg 2,” the challenge was to create a movie that embraced the fun and excitement of a shark film while avoiding the cynicism and darkness that often accompanies such stories. As a shark movie aficionado himself, Wheatley acknowledges the iconic status of “Jaws,” which he considers not just the best shark film but the best film overall. With this in mind, he set out to deliver a poppy and entertaining movie that celebrates the genre’s thrills.
But what do we actually know about megalodons in reality? Sora Kim, an associate professor of paleoecology, sheds some light on these ancient creatures. Unlike other animals with well-preserved skeletons, megalodons remain somewhat enigmatic because sharks have cartilaginous skeletons, leaving only their teeth as evidence of their existence. Researchers have pieced together clues from these teeth and stable isotope analysis to study the megalodon’s diet and ecological role.
Megalodons lived in an ocean teeming with diverse marine mammals, including whales and great white sharks. Some evidence suggests that their diet varied significantly, with some being picky eaters while others were opportunistic feeders. Similar to modern great whites, megalodons may have exhibited specialists and generalists in their feeding habits. The megalodon’s extinction around 3 million years ago was likely due to a combination of factors. Being an apex predator with high metabolic needs made it challenging for the megalodon to sustain its colossal size. Additionally, changes in ocean conditions and prey availability during that time period contributed to their decline.
While the idea of an extinct megalodon battling a T. rex in “Meg 2” might sound thrilling, it’s important to remember that such scenarios are purely the stuff of movie magic. Real-life megalodons lived in a world of their own, and their behavior might have been more akin to large orcas than the ruthless monsters depicted in Hollywood.
Despite the fictional nature of the film, “Meg 2: The Trench” serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring creatures that once roamed our oceans. It provides an opportunity to spark interest in sharks and marine science, even if the on-screen action veers far from scientific accuracy.
So, as we settle into our seats to watch the epic clash between the megalodon and our favorite action hero, let’s enjoy the adrenaline-fueled adventure while keeping in mind that the real story of these ancient predators is one of wonder and curiosity, rather than fear and terror.