An acclaimed producer who collaborated closely with Director James Cameron on some of the highest-grossing films in history including ‘Titanic’ and two ‘Avatar’ sequels, Jon Landau, has passed away at the age of 63
His family announced on Saturday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Landau and Cameron’s partnership spanned over three decades, earning them multiple Oscar nominations and a Best Picture win for ‘Titanic’ in 1997.
Cameron mourned Landau’s loss, describing him as a dear friend and his closest collaborator.
He emphasized Landau’s impact on their work, noting his humor, generosity, and unwavering dedication that shaped their creative universe.
Cameron, in a statement, remembered “a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years.” “A part of myself has been torn away,” said Cameron.
“His zany humor, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the center of our Avatar universe for almost two decades,” said Cameron. “His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique.”
Starting his career in the 1980s as a production manager, Landau steadily climbed the ranks, co-producing hits like ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ and ‘Dick Tracy’.
His pivotal role as producer on ‘Titanic’ proved pivotal, catapulting the film to become the first to surpass $1 billion in global box office and win 11 Academy Awards.
“I can’t act and I can’t compose and I can’t do visual effects, so I guess that’s why I’m producing.” Landau said while accepting the award with Cameron.
Their collaboration continued with ‘Avatar’, a groundbreaking sci-fi epic that shattered box office records upon its release in 2009.
Landau’s influence extended beyond producing, becoming a cornerstone at Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and navigating the complex production of the “Avatar” sequels.
Throughout his career, Landau’s vision and leadership brought countless stories to life on screen. His contributions to the film industry are celebrated as profound and lasting, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman, hailed Landau as an iconic producer and an even greater person whose inspiration touched all who knew him.
“Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for,” Zoe Saldaña, one of the stars of the “Avatar” franchise, said in an emotional tribute on Instagram. “Your legacy will continue to inspire us and guide us in our journey.”
Landau has been a key player in the ‘Avatar’ franchise, which saw frequent delays of the release of ‘The Way of Water’, Landau defended the sequel’s progress and Cameron’s ambitious plans to film multiple sequels at once to keep the franchise going.
“A lot has changed but a lot hasn’t,” Landau told The Associated Press in 2022, a few months ahead of the sequel’s release. “One of the things that has not changed is: Why do people turn to entertainment today? Just like they did when the first ‘Avatar’ was released, they do it to escape, to escape the world in which we live.”
“Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen. His remarkable contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, and he will be profoundly missed. He was an iconic and successful producer yet an even better person and a true force of nature who inspired all around him,” Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman, said in a statement.
Jon Landau, born in New York on July 23, 1960, is survived by his wife Julie, their sons Jamie and Jodie, and siblings. His legacy as a visionary producer and beloved colleague will continue to resonate within the entertainment industry and beyond.
