Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning ‘Titanic’ and ‘Avatar’ producer, dies at 63

The news organization The Associated Press (AP)

July 7, 2024 at 3:19 in the afternoon

Jon Landau poses for a photo at the 95th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon in February 2023 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Landau, a producer who won an Oscar for his work alongside director James Cameron on "Titanic" and the "Avatar" franchise, has passed away.

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Jon Landau, a producer who won an Oscar and collaborated closely with director James Cameron on three of the most successful movies in history, including "Titanic" and two "Avatar" films, has passed away at the age of 63.

Landau's family confirmed on Saturday that he had passed away. They did not disclose the reason for his death.

Landau and Cameron collaborated on several successful films, earning three Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture for "Titanic" in 1997. Their partnership has resulted in some of the most popular movies in cinema history, such as "Avatar" and its upcoming sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water."

Jon Landau was a firm believer in the power of movies. He thought that film is the highest form of art created by humans, and that in order to create films, one must first embrace their own humanity," Cameron shared in a detailed message published by The Hollywood Reporter. "He will always be known for both his immense kindness and the incredible movies he brought to audiences."

"I collaborated with Jon Landau for 31 years and I never saw him unhappy or discouraged," Cameron said. "He always had a great sense of humor and determination, and truly enjoyed the work we did together."

Landau started working in the 1980s as a production manager. Over time, he moved up in his career, becoming a co-producer on movies like "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and "Dick Tracy."

He became the producer of "Titanic," Cameron's costly film about the well-known 1912 shipwreck. The decision was successful: "Titanic" was the first movie to make over $1 billion in worldwide box-office revenue and went on to win 11 Oscars, including best picture.

"I'm not skilled in acting, composing, or visual effects, which is why I think my role in producing is important," Landau explained as he accepted the award alongside Cameron.

Their collaboration continued, as Landau rose to a high-ranking position at Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment. In 2009, the duo witnessed the phenomenal success of "Avatar," a science fiction masterpiece filmed and presented in cinemas with revolutionary 3D technology, which outperformed the box office success of "Titanic." To this day, it holds the record as the highest-grossing film of all time.

The follow-up film, "Avatar: The Way of Water," ranks third.

Zoe Saldaña, an actress in the "Avatar" movies, expressed her gratitude for the guidance and support that influenced many of us. She paid tribute to the legacy of the person who inspired and led us on our paths.

Landau has played a significant role in the "Avatar" series, which experienced many setbacks in releasing "The Way of Water." Landau stood up for the sequel's development and Cameron's ambitious idea to shoot several sequels simultaneously in order to sustain the franchise.

"In 2022, Landau told The Associated Press that while many things have evolved, the reasons why people seek out entertainment remain the same. Just like when the original 'Avatar' came out, people still turn to entertainment for escapism, to take a break from the reality of our world."

Jon was a creative thinker with an exceptional gift and dedication that helped to create some of the most memorable stories on the movie screen. His outstanding work in the film industry has made a lasting impact, and he will be greatly missed. He was a well-known and accomplished producer, as well as a kind-hearted individual and a true inspiration to those he touched, according to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman's statement.

Landau was appointed as an executive vice president of feature films at 20th Century Fox at the young age of 29. In this role, he was responsible for managing successful movies like "Home Alone" and its follow-up, along with "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "True Lies." It was during this time that he began collaborating closely with Cameron.

Landau played a key role in getting the manga adaptation "Alita: Battle Angel" onto the big screen in 2019. Although Cameron supported the project, he was unable to direct it due to his involvement with "Avatar." Landau collaborated with director Robert Rodriguez to ensure the film was finished.

Landau was born in New York City on July 23, 1960. His parents, Ely and Edie Landau, were both involved in the film industry. The family later relocated to Los Angeles during the 1970s. Landau attended the film school at the University of Southern California and successfully completed his studies there.

Ely Landau passed away in 1993. Edie Landau, the producer of acclaimed movies such as "Long Day's Journey Into Night," "Hopscotch," and "The Deadly Game," was nominated for an Oscar. She passed away in 2022.

Jon Landau is still living with his wife of almost 40 years, Julie; their two sons, Jamie and Jodie; as well as two sisters and a brother.