In the annals of horror cinema, few scenes are as audacious and memorable as the underwater confrontation between a zombie and a shark in Lucio Fulci’s 1979 film Zombi 2 (Zombie in its American film release). This sequence stands out not only for its sheer originality but also for the daring execution that has intrigued and astonished audiences for decades.
The Genesis of the Scene
The idea for the zombie-shark encounter originated from producer Ugo Tucci, who, inspired by the film Tintorera: Killer Shark, insisted on its inclusion. Director Lucio Fulci initially resisted, fearing the concept might come across as too absurd. However, Tucci’s vision prevailed, leading to one of the most iconic moments in horror history according to Little White Lies
Filming the Unthinkable
The scene was shot in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, utilizing a real tiger shark. To ensure the safety of the performers, the shark was allegdly fed prior to filming to reduce its aggression. Although I have some other suspicions on the shark I will address in an article about sharks in films later. The role of the underwater zombie was portrayed by Ramón Bravo, a renowned Mexican underwater photographer and shark trainer. Bravo’s expertise with marine life was crucial in executing the scene without incident.
A Surreal Showdown
In the film, the character Susan Barrett, portrayed by Auretta Gay, encounters the zombie while diving near a reef. As she seeks refuge, the submerged zombie confronts a tiger shark, leading to a surreal and visceral battle. The zombie grapples with the shark, even attempting to bite it, showcasing a blend of horror and the bizarre that has become synonymous with Fulci’s work according to the Tarantino Wiki
Legacy and Impact
Over the years, this scene has been lauded for its audacity and practical effects, especially considering the era’s technological limitations. It remains a testament to the creativity and boldness of filmmakers willing to push boundaries. The zombie-shark fight has been featured in various retrospectives and discussions about unconventional moments in horror cinema, solidifying its place in genre history.
For those interested in experiencing this remarkable scene firsthand, here’s the clip.
I thought this would be a fun one to cover just in time for Halloween.
13 Days of Dark Outdoors®
Right now we’re in the midst of my 13 Day of Dark Outdoors® campaign leading up to Halloween to reveal some cool content and promote subscriptions to my podcast.
Dark Outdoors® covers true crime and terrifying encounters in the great outdoors. In 2025 it won “Overall Podcast Excellence” from the Press Club of Southeast Texas and has also been honored by the Texas Outdoor Writer’s Association.
If you subscribe to Dark Outdoors® and email me with your mailing address at chester@chestermoore.com I will send you this cool decal. Just let me know what podcast platform you subscribed on. It’s everywhere you find podcast, but here a place to link to it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, IHeartradio & Audbile.
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
@thechestermoore on Instagram
Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook
Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors and Higher Calling Wildlife podcasts on all major podcasting platforms.
Leave a Reply