Landau was known for working closely with director James Cameron. Together, they produced three of the top four highest-grossing movies ever. Landau helped make history with “Titanic,” the first film to earn over $1 billion worldwide. He then surpassed this record with “Avatar” in 2009 and again with its sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” in 2022.
Before Jon Landau dies, Landau was deeply involved in making more “Avatar” movies. James Cameron plans to release five “Avatar” films, with the fifth one expected to come out in 2031.
Landau’s career began early. At just 29, he became the executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox. There, he oversaw movies like “Die Hard 2,” “Power Rangers,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” and “True Lies,” on which he worked with Cameron. When Landau left Fox, Cameron invited him to read the script for a project called “Planet Ice,” which later became “Titanic.”
Landau continued to work with Cameron for the rest of his life. He became the chief operating officer at Cameron’s company, Lightstorm Entertainment. Landau also worked on other projects, such as “Avatar” comic books and a well-received video game, “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.”
Landau’s other producing credits included “Campus Man” in 1987, “Solaris” in 2002, and “Alita: Battle Angel” in 2019.
In a 2022 interview, Landau shared his approach to his career: “I could never just sit at a desk and sign off on anything. Not just as a producer, but in life. I want to participate, I want to have a voice, I want to have an influence. I want to inspire people to go beyond what they think they can do. I think that’s very important. I never want to be that guy just at a desk anywhere in life.”
Landau leaves behind his wife, Julie, whom he was married to for almost 40 years, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie. He is also survived by his siblings, Tina, Kathy, and Les.
Many people who worked with Landau paid tribute to him. Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, said, “Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen. His contributions to the film industry are remarkable, 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 everyone around him. Our thoughts are with Jon’s wife, Julie, and his family during this difficult time.”
Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh from Wētā FX, the company that worked on the “Avatar” movies, released a statement: “We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau. Jon was not only a monumental figure in the film industry but also a cherished collaborator and friend. Jon brought unparalleled passion to the projects he worked on, and his influence will continue to inspire for years to come. Our deepest condolences are with Jon’s family and loved ones, as well as Jim and the Lightstorm Entertainment team.”
Joe Letteri, the VFX supervisor on the “Avatar” films, said, “I am heartbroken at the loss of our friend Jon Landau. He was an amazing and generous man, and a world-class filmmaker who leaves a legacy that will last for generations. On behalf of all of us at Wētā FX, it was an honor to work beside him. His dedication to the art of filmmaking inspired us every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Stephen Rivkin, an editor on the “Avatar” films, shared with Variety, “Jon was our hero. He is and will always be the greatest champion of the Avatar movies and the guiding light of the Avatar family who have worked and continue to work on these films. He was a one-of-a-kind giant in our industry. I am so fortunate to have known him and to have had him in my life, both professionally and as a dear friend. We will miss him beyond what words can express. He will continue to live in our hearts forever.”
Robert Legato, the VFX supervisor on “Titanic,” wrote to Variety, “It breaks my heart to have to write this tribute to Jon. I was extraordinarily lucky to be involved in two of the biggest films ever made, and I could not believe my good fortune in getting a chance to work with a legendary figure like Jon. For me, loving film history as I do, it felt like working with David Selznick, Darryl Zanuck, Sam Spiegel, and Louis B. Mayer all wrapped into one. The highest-grossing films of all time, most Oscar wins—Jon is in that very small pantheon of the most successful producers this business has ever seen. Personally, he was a great friend, an encouraging colleague, and a master at making you feel like you were the most important voice in the room. He did this for everyone, and the collective contribution he fostered showed on screen as a gift for audiences the world over. The deep sadness I feel must pale in comparison to the loss felt by his wonderful and talented family that he just adored. We all just loved him.”Jon Landau dies
Jon Landau was a highly successful producer known for his work with director James Cameron. He produced some of the highest-grossing movies of all time, including “Titanic,” which was the first film to earn over $1 billion worldwide, and “Avatar” along with its sequel, “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Landau’s career also included executive roles at 20th Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment, where he oversaw various successful projects and helped develop “Avatar” comic books and video games.
In addition to his work on “Titanic” and the “Avatar” series, Jon Landau played a significant role in several other projects. As executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox, he oversaw movies like “Die Hard 2,” “Power Rangers,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” and “True Lies.” He also produced films such as “Campus Man,” “Solaris,” and “Alita: Battle Angel.” Landau’s contributions extended to ancillary projects for Lightstorm Entertainment, including “Avatar” comic books and the video game “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.”