Jon Landau, the film producer who won an Oscar for the “Titanic” and who also produced the director’s “Avatar” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” has died, according to his family.
Landau passed away in Los Angeles on July 5, according to his obituary. He was 63.
“The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader. His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique,” Landau’s longtime collaborator James Cameron said in a statement.
“He produced great films, not by wielding power but by spreading warmth and the joy of making cinema. He inspired us all to be and to bring our best, every day. I have lost a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years. A part of myself has been torn away,” Cameron said.
Producer Jon Landau arrives for the 34th Annual Producers Guild Awards (PGA) at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2023.
Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
The films Landau produced with Cameron were three of the four highest grossing films of all time, with “Titanic” and the two “Avatar” movies each grossing over $2 billion.
He “devoted his career to bringing that sense of wonder to global audiences and to everything he touched. Landau championed filmmaking, the importance of the theatrical experience, and the power of storytelling to bring people together,” his obituary said.
“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,” said Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
Landau was also a producer on the third film in the “Avatar” film series which is slated for a 2025 release.
“Words are hard to put together right now, your passing is hitting really hard. You are leaving us too soon, my thoughts are with you and your family right now,” “Avatar” star Zoe Saldana said on Instagram.
“Your legacy will continue to inspire us and guide us in our journey,” she continued.
Born in New York City, Landau attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He served as executive vice president of feature production at 20th Century Fox and later became chief operating officer at Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.
In the 1990s, he co-produced “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and “Dick Tracy.” He later produced Steven Soderbergh’s “Solaris” and “Alita: Battle Angel,” co-produced with Cameron and directed by Robert Rodriguez.
Landau is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Julie Landau, and their two sons, Jamie Landau and Jodie Landau. He is also survived by his two sisters Tina Landau and Kathy Landau, his brother Les Landau, and a large extended family.
Jon Landau, the renowned film producer behind the Oscar-winning films ‘Titanic’ and ‘Avatar’, has passed away at the age of 63. Landau, who was known for his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft, leaves behind a legacy that has forever changed the landscape of cinema.
Born on July 23, 1959, in New York City, Landau began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age. He worked as a music journalist before transitioning into film production, where he quickly made a name for himself as a visionary producer with an eye for talent and a passion for storytelling.
Landau’s big break came in 1997 when he produced James Cameron’s epic romance ‘Titanic’, which went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film’s success catapulted Landau to the top of Hollywood’s A-list producers, where he continued to produce a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.
In 2009, Landau teamed up with James Cameron once again to produce ‘Avatar’, a groundbreaking science fiction film that revolutionized the use of 3D technology in cinema. The film was a massive success, grossing over $2.7 billion worldwide and winning three Academy Awards. Landau’s innovative approach to filmmaking and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible on screen solidified his reputation as one of the industry’s most talented and respected producers.
Throughout his career, Landau worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and Robert Zemeckis. His keen eye for talent and his ability to bring out the best in those he worked with made him a sought-after collaborator among filmmakers and actors alike.
Landau’s passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy will live on through the films he produced and the impact he had on those he worked with. His dedication to his craft, his passion for storytelling, and his unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers for years to come.
In memory of Jon Landau, let us celebrate his life and his incredible contributions to the world of cinema. May his legacy continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew him and in the films he brought to life on the silver screen. Rest in peace, Jon Landau.
