'Titanic', 'Avatar' Producer Jon Landau Dies

Jon Landau is a longtime collaborator with director James Cameron. He has produced three of the four highest-grossing films of all time. Jon Landau made history with the blockbuster Titanic , the first film to surpass $1 billion at the global box office. He also produced the record-breaking Avatar in 2009 ($2.92 billion) and its 2022 sequel Avatar: The Way of Water ($2.3 billion).

Producer Jon Landau

Before his death, Jon Landau was deeply involved in the production of Avatar 3. James Cameron planned to make a blockbuster sci-fi series with a total of 5 films. Part 5 is expected to hit theaters in 2031.

Speaking to Variety at the Avatar: The Way of Water premiere, Jon Landau recalled: "When I saw the Avatar cast in tears, I was in tears too."

At the age of 29, Jon Landau became Executive Vice President of Feature Film Production at 20th Century Fox, where he oversaw films such as Die Hard 2 , Power Rangers , The Last of the Mohicans , True Lies , etc. When Landau left 20th Century Fox, Cameron asked him if he would like to read the script for a project called Planet Ice . Landau agreed and then participated in the production of the film that would later be called Titanic , which was released in 1997.

Jon Landau continued to work with James Cameron for the rest of his life, becoming CEO of Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment. He was also the architect of Lightstorm's spin-off projects, such as Dark Horse Comics and the Penguin Random House spin-off Avatar . Landau also advised on the creation of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora , an online game set for release in December 2023, and Tencent Games' online multiplayer game Avatar: Reckoning .

Jon Landau has worked with James Cameron for 31 years.

Other films Landau has produced include 1987's Campus Man , 2002's Solaris , and 2019's Alita: Battle Angel .

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Julie Landau, and two sons: Jamie and Jodie Landau. He has siblings: Tina, Kathy and Les Landau.

"The Avatar family is devastated by the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau. His humor, charm, generosity of spirit, and strong will have been central to our Avatar universe for nearly two decades. I have lost a friend and one of my closest collaborators of 31 years. A part of myself has been torn apart," director James Cameron told Variety .

Those who worked with Landau paid tribute. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman said: "Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to the big screen. His remarkable contributions to the film industry left an indelible mark, and he will be greatly missed. He was an iconic and accomplished producer who inspired all around him. We send our deepest condolences to Jon's wife, Julie, and his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Joe Letteri, visual effects supervisor (VFX) on the Avatar series, said in a statement: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Jon Landau. He was a wonderful and generous man, a world-class filmmaker whose legacy will live on for generations. It was an honor to work with him. His dedication to the art of filmmaking inspired us every day. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones."

"Jon was our hero," said Stephen Rivkin, editor of the Avatar series. "He was the Avatar series' greatest champion and a guiding light for the Avatar crew. He was a one-of-a-kind giant in our industry. We will miss him more than words can express. Jon will continue to live on in our hearts."

Titanic actor Frances Fisher paid tribute to Jon Landau on X: "Rest in peace Jon."

Jon Landau was born on July 30, 1960 in New York, USA, and studied at USC. His father is Ely and his mother is Edie Landau, both are film producers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nha-san-xuat-phim-titanic-avatar-jon-landau-qua-doi-185240707125837918.htm