Jon Landau, an Oscar-winning producer who collaborated closely with director James Cameron on some of the biggest blockbusters in cinema history, including “Titanic” and two “Avatar” films, has passed away at the age of 63.
Landau’s family announced his death on Saturday, but no specific cause was provided.
His partnership with Cameron resulted in three Oscar nominations and a win for best picture for the 1997 film “Titanic.” Together, they contributed to some of the highest-grossing films ever, such as “Avatar” and its sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Starting his career in the 1980s as a production manager, Landau worked his way up and served as a co-producer on movies like “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” and “Dick Tracy.”
Related stories:
Landau took on the role of producer for “Titanic,” Cameron’s epic film about the tragic Titanic sinking of 1912. The risk paid off as “Titanic” became the first movie to surpass $1 billion in global box-office earnings and won 11 Oscars, including best picture.
Their successful partnership continued as Landau became a top executive at Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment. In 2009, “Avatar” broke box-office records with its revolutionary 3D technology, surpassing the success of “Titanic” and remaining the highest-grossing film of all time.
The sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” also achieved significant box-office success.
Landau played a vital role in the “Avatar” franchise, especially during delays in the release of “The Way of Water.” He defended Cameron’s ambitious plans for multiple sequels, emphasizing the ongoing appeal of entertainment as an escape from reality.
Related stories:
“Jon was a visionary whose talent and passion brought unforgettable stories to life on the big screen. His contributions to the film industry are significant, and he will be greatly missed. He was an iconic producer and an exceptional individual who inspired everyone around him,” said Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman.
Landau’s career highlights include overseeing major hits like “Home Alone,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and “True Lies” while serving as an executive vice president at 20th Century Fox. He also played a key role in bringing “Alita: Battle Angel” to theaters in 2019.
Jon Landau is survived by his wife Julie of nearly 40 years, their sons Jamie and Jodie, and two sisters and a brother.