National Geographic has announced a new chapter in the Shark Beach franchise, and this time, a new Avenger is at the helm. Anthony Mackie, best known as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will take over hosting duties for Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie, premiering as part of SHARKFEST 2024.
The announcement was made during the 2024 Winter Television Critics Association event. Mackie follows in the footsteps of Chris Hemsworth, who led the franchise’s first installment by exploring how humans and sharks might coexist more peacefully.
A Gulf Coast Story With Personal Roots
In this newest special, Mackie returns to his hometown of New Orleans. He shares a personal connection to the Gulf Coast, where he spent much of his youth boating and fishing—activities he now enjoys with his four sons.
Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie will follow the actor on a deeply personal journey. His mission is to explore how sharks and coastal communities can thrive together. The one-hour special highlights Mackie’s hands-on experience, including swimming with sandbar and silky sharks and tagging a powerful seven-foot bull shark.
SHARKFEST Kicks Off With Shark Beach
The Shark Beach franchise has become a cornerstone of SHARKFEST, National Geographic’s summer event celebrating the science, behavior, and beauty of sharks. This new installment continues that tradition, blending compelling storytelling with cinematic underwater exploration.
According to National Geographic’s senior vice president of Development and Production, Janet Han Vissering, Mackie brought a deep passion to the project. She praised his enthusiasm and curiosity, calling the special a true reflection of his connection to both nature and his hometown.
Production Team Behind the Special
Shark Beach With Anthony Mackie is produced in partnership with Nutopia. The special is directed by Matt Kay. Executive producers for Nutopia include Arif Nurmohamed, Nicola Moody, and Jane Root. Geoff Daniels serves as executive vice president of Unscripted.
For National Geographic, executive producer Tracy Rudolph Jackson led the project, with Janet Han Vissering overseeing development and production. Tom McDonald serves as executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content.
A New Chapter in a Growing Franchise
With Anthony Mackie now leading the series, Shark Beach continues to evolve. From the coasts of Australia to the waters of the Gulf. The franchise aims to inform, inspire, and foster understanding between people and the natural world.
Stay tuned for more details as SHARKFEST approaches, and prepare to dive into the Gulf Coast like never before.
