Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer known for his collaborations with director James Cameron on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, has passed away at the age of 63. His family announced his death on Saturday. Although no cause was given, the producer was previously diagnosed with a form of cancer.
Landau’s partnership with Cameron yielded some of the highest-grossing films in cinema history, including “Titanic” and the “Avatar” franchise. Their work on “Titanic” earned Landau an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1998, along with three Oscar nominations throughout his career.
James Cameron paid tribute to his long-time collaborator, stating,
“Jon Landau believed in the dream of cinema. He believed that film is the ultimate human art form, and to make films you have to first be human yourself.”
Cameron also mentioned Landau’s unwavering positivity and his ability to balance humor with determination in their 31-year working relationship.
Jon Landau’s career in the film industry spanned decades, beginning in the 1980s as a production manager. He gradually climbed the ranks, working on films such as “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and “Dick Tracy” before his breakthrough as producer on “Titanic.”
Following the unprecedented success of “Titanic,” Landau became a key figure at Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment. The pair continued to push cinematic boundaries with “Avatar” in 2009, which revolutionized 3D technology and became the highest-grossing film of all time.
Beyond his work with Cameron, Jon Landau was instrumental in bringing other projects to fruition, including the manga adaptation “Alita: Battle Angel.” He was known for his visionary approach to filmmaking and his ability to navigate complex productions.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Zoe Saldaña, star of the “Avatar” films, praised Landau’s wisdom and support on her Instagram page, while Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman talked about the deceased’s “extraordinary talent and passion” for storytelling in his statement. He wrote:
“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.”
Born into a family of film producers in New York, Jon Landau’s love for cinema was lifelong. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Julie, their two sons, and his siblings.