Jon Landau
Producer Jon Landau

Jon Landau, one of the most pivotal producers of the 21st Century, has passed away at the age of 63. The producer behind AvatarDick Tracy, and Titanic died of cancer. Throughout his career, Landau trusted both audiences and filmmakers, delivering often otherworldly visions.

Like his filmmaking partner James Cameron, Landau always dreamed beyond what was possible.

The USC graduate spent the 1990s working as the executive vice president of feature film production at Twentieth Century Fox. Before his partnership with Cameron, he co-produced Dick TracyHoney, I Shrunk the Kids, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – Live in East Berlin.

The Academy Award-winner produced the first movie to make over a billion dollars, Titanic. It was a movie doubted throughout the industry. Even audiences were skeptical. In what would prove to be a trend, Landau defied the odds.

The producer was almost as much a gambler as he was a passionate storyteller. He made uncompromising works, such as Steven Soderbergh’s Solaris, and popcorn movies with heart and soul, like Alita: Battle Angel. He was someone who wanted to move the audience, not just sell them tickets.

For a long time, he spent his career in New Zealand working on the Avatar sequels and partnering with Wētā. “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,” said Wētā’s Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. “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.”

Landau had an undeniable passion and love for movies. He was a builder of worlds. The groundbreaking storyteller’s voice will live on forever in his many classics. Our condolences to Jon Landau’s friends, family, and collaborators.

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The team at Immersive Media.