Released by Universal Pictures, the movie opened to heavy marketing and widespread curiosity due to its comic-book pedigree and Lucasfilm involvement. It performed below expectations at the North American box office and drew sharply negative reviews, later earning multiple Golden Raspberry Award nominations. Released by Columbia Pictures, it grossed far below its cost during its initial theatrical run and received largely negative reviews on opening. Released in the summer season, the movie received predominantly negative reviews and underperformed relative to earlier ‘Jaws’ installments. Upon theatrical release, it drew strongly negative reviews and quickly faded from domestic box-office charts.