Jon Landau died at the age of 63 on Friday, July 5 in Los Angeles.
The Oscar winner is known for working with director, James Cameron, on several Hollywood blockbusters during his career, such as Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009).
Landau’s death was confirmed by his son, according to The Hollywood Reporter, but the cause of death has not been disclosed.
The filmmaker is survived by his wife, Julie, as well as sons Jamie and Jodie. Jon also has three siblings: Tina, Kathy and Les.
Tributes from those in the industry were shared upon hearing the news of Landau’s tragic death, including Alan Bergman – chairman of Disney Entertainment – who labeled Jon a ‘visionary.’
Jon Landau died at the age of 63 on Friday, July 5 in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed; seen in February 2023 in Beverly Hills
“Jon is a visionary with incredible talent and passion for bringing some unforgettable stories to the big screen,” Bergan said in a statement, per Deadline.
‘His extraordinary contribution to the film industry has left an indelible mark, and he will be sorely missed.’
Alan continued, ‘He was a great and successful producer, but an even better person and a true force of nature who inspired those around him. Our thoughts are with Jon’s wife, Julie, and his family and loved ones during this difficult time.’
Peter Jackson – director of Lord Of The Rings – as well as screenwriter Fran Walsh also shared their condolences in separate statements.
‘We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say that we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau,’ he began. The Wētā FX company mainly worked on visual effects for the movie Avatar.
‘Jon is not only a monumental figure in the film industry but also a dear collaborator and friend. Jon brings an unparalleled passion to the projects he works on and his influence will continue to inspire for years to come.’
Jackson and Walsh concluded: “Our deepest condolences go out to Jon’s family and loved ones, as well as Jim and the Lightstorm Entertainment team.
Visual effects artist Joe Letteri – who worked alongside Landau on films such as Avatar – also stated, ‘I am heartbroken by the loss of our friend Jon Landau.’
The Oscar winner is known for collaborating with director, James Cameron, on several Hollywood blockbusters throughout his career, such as Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009); appeared in 1998 in LA
‘He was an amazing and generous man, and a world-class filmmaker who left a legacy that will continue for generations.’
On behalf of all of us at Wētā FX, it is an honor to work alongside him. His dedication to the art of filmmaking inspires him every day. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones,” Joe said.
Jon was born on July 23, 1960 in NYC to mother Edythe (Edie) Landau – a producer – and father Ely A. Landau, a producer and studio executive.
He then followed his passion for work in film by attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
During the 1990s, he worked as Executive Vice President of Feature Film Production at Twentieth Century Fox.
In 1998, Landau became the recipient of the first Academy Award when Titanic won Best Picture.
The film went on to win 10 additional Oscars during the ceremony, such as Best Director for James Cameron and Best Film Editing.
He later reunited with James Cameron to produce Avatar (2009) and its sequel Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022).
Jon was born on July 23, 1960 in NYC to mother Edythe (Edie) Landau – a producer – and father Ely A. Landau, a producer and studio executive.
He later reunited with James Cameron to produce Avatar (2009) and its sequel Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022); appear in 2022 in London
Upon its theatrical release, the film became the second-grossing film of all time, grossing $2.9 billion at the global box office.
Landau was nominated in 2010 for his second Oscar for his work in the film, and won another award for Avatar: The Way Of Water in 2023.
Jon also produced Alita: Battle Angel (2019) and made other films such as Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989) and Dick Tracy (1990).
During an interview with The Talks in 2022, he opened up about his career in Hollywood and working as a producer. ‘I can’t just sit at a desk and sign anything.’
‘Not only as a producer, but in life. I want to be involved, I want to have a voice, I want to have an impact.’
“I want to be able to inspire people to go beyond what they think they are capable of, so that they can be proud of what we do. This is a very big thing for me. I don’t want to be someone who is just at a table anywhere in life,” said Jon.
In terms of how he determines the success of a film, he explained to the outlet, ‘For me personally, I like watching films, so the success of a film depends on what gets away.’
Jon also produced Alita: Battle Angel (2019) and made other films such as Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989) and Dick Tracy (1990); seen with director Robert Rodriguez and actress Rosa Salazar in Seoul in 2019 to promote Alita: Battle Angel
Earlier last year in January, Jon and James Cameron attended a hand and foot ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood in honor of Avatar: The Way Of Water (seen above)
‘I don’t want to think about Avatar, I don’t want to think about bills to pay, all of this.’
‘Did I walk away from the theater feeling emotional? That’s how I see the films I’ve done successfully,” added Landau.
Earlier last year in January, Jon and James Cameron attended a handprint and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood in honor of Avatar: The Way Of Water.
On Landau’s official IMDB page, he had seven projects under way at the time of his death, including serving as a producer on Avatar 3 and Avatar 4.
