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| 2023 will see Jon Landau. Image: Variety/Michael Buckner via GetTY |
The Oscar-winning filmmaker was well-known for his long-standing collaboration with James Cameron.
Oscar-winning producer Jon Landau, who produced some of the highest-grossing movies ever, passed away on Friday, July 5, according to a number of media sources, including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline. He was sixty-three.
Variety stated that cancer was the cause of Landau's passing. There were no other details given.
The Brooklyn, New York, native and close collaborator of James Cameron produced three of the highest-grossing films in history: Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water, which was released in 2022.
According to Variety and THR, Landau was also the chief operating officer of Cameron's production company, Lightstorm Entertainment. In addition to producing movies like Solaris (2002) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019) at Lightstorm, the pair oversaw the Avatar franchise's future.
Variety reports that Landau held the position of executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox before collaborating with Cameron. He was in charge of movies like Power Rangers, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Die Hard 2 while he was employed by the company.
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| James Cameron (left) and Jon Landau in 2023. GETTY/ALEBERT L. ORTEGA |
Variety reports that Landau held the position of executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox before collaborating with Cameron. He was in charge of movies like Power Rangers, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Die Hard 2 while he was employed by the company.
Landau helped 69-year-old Cameron create history with the drama, which became the first movie to break $1 billion at the worldwide box office, after he returned to producing with 1997's Titanic. In addition, the three-hour movie took home a record-breaking eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Ben-Hur had previously held the record, but Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King from 2003 broke it once more.
The late producer claimed he "fell in love with it" after Cameron showed him an early cut of the Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet movie, according to THR. Not only was the script compelling, but also the notion that this might be the final epic film produced in the traditional manner, about the project, Landau remarked, "with hundreds and hundreds of extras — who aren't digital."
When Landau mentioned to THR in a 2022 interview regarding The Way of Water that he had "seen an evolution of" Cameron since their careers first collided, the director interjected, asking, "Did he tell you we're like an old married couple?"
Regarding their enduring relationship, Cameron continued, "I feel like there's no problem we can't solve. I don't want to say nice things in front of him because it will go to his head."
On July 6, Frances Fisher, a star of the Titanic, posted a tribute to Landau. Fisher wrote, "Rest in Power Jon," in response to a request for a sequel to Alita: Battle Angel in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
"With hundreds and hundreds of extras — who aren't digital," Landau said of the project.
"Did he tell you we're like an old married couple?" the director interrupted Landau when he said to THR in a 2022 interview about The Way of Water that he had "seen an evolution of" Cameron since their careers first collided.
"I feel like there's no problem we can't solve," Cameron went on to say about their ongoing relationship. I don't want to compliment him because I know it will make him think poorly."
Star of the Titanic, Frances Fisher, posted a tribute to Landau on July 6. In response to a post on Alita: Battle Angel asking for a sequel, Fisher wrote, "Rest in Power Jon."
"Did he tell you we're like an old married couple?" the director interrupted Landau when he said to THR in a 2022 interview about The Way of Water that he had "seen an evolution of" Cameron since their careers first collided.
"I feel like there's no problem we can't solve," Cameron went on to say about their ongoing relationship. I don't want to compliment him because I know it will make him think poorly."
Star of the Titanic, Frances Fisher, posted a tribute to Landau on July 6. In response to a post on Alita: Battle Angel asking for a sequel, Fisher wrote, "Rest in Power Jon."
Disney Entertainment co-chairman John Bergman said in a statement provided to PEOPLE that Landau has "left an indelible mark" on the film industry.
Bergman praised Jon as a visionary who "brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen with his extraordinary talent and passion." "He will be greatly missed for his incredible contributions to the film industry, which have left an enduring legacy. In addition to being a well-known and prosperous producer, he was also a wonderful man and an inspiration to everyone around him.
Following Landau's passing, filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh—whose company Wētā FX supplied VFX for the Avatar films—also released a statement.
Bergman praised Jon as a visionary who "brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen with his extraordinary talent and passion." "He will be greatly missed for his incredible contributions to the film industry, which have left an enduring legacy. In addition to being a well-known and prosperous producer, he was also a wonderful man and an inspiration to everyone around him.
Following Landau's passing, filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh—whose company Wētā FX supplied VFX for the Avatar films—also released a statement.
According to Variety, the statement said, "We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau." In addition to being a highly respected professional in the film industry, Jon was also a dear friend and collaborator. Years to come will be inspired by the unmatched passion that Jon brought to the projects he worked on.
The statement concluded, "Our deepest condolences are with Jim and the Lightstorm Entertainment team, as well as Jon's family and loved ones."
According to Variety, Landau is survived by Julie, his wife of nearly 40 years, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie. His siblings Tina, Kathy, and Les Landau also survive him. /people.com
The statement concluded, "Our deepest condolences are with Jim and the Lightstorm Entertainment team, as well as Jon's family and loved ones."
According to Variety, Landau is survived by Julie, his wife of nearly 40 years, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie. His siblings Tina, Kathy, and Les Landau also survive him. /people.com
