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John Landau, the Oscar-winning producer of two films, “Titanic” and “Avatar,” died of cancer on Friday, July 5. He is 63 years old.
Landau, James Cameron’s longtime producing partner, was behind three of the top four highest-grossing films of all time. Landau helped make history with “Titanic,” the first movie to surpass $1 billion at the global box office. He topped the film’s record-breaking grosses twice with 2009’s “Avatar” and its sequel, 2022’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.”
Before his death, Landau was deeply involved in the production of the “Avatar” sequels. Cameron plans to fill out his blockbuster sci-fi franchise with a total of five films, with a fifth tentatively due out in 2031.
speaks Variety At the “Way of Water” premiere, Landau recalled screening the film for the main cast. “When I saw them tearing up, I had to tear up,” he said.
In the 1990s, Landau was executive vice president of film production at 20th Century Fox, which in 1995 entered into a first-look deal with Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, where Landau served as chief operating officer. In the 20th century, Landau oversaw films like “Die Hard 2,” “Power Rangers,” “True Lies” and “The Last of the Mohicans.”
He is the architect of Lightstorm’s spin-offs such as Dark Horse Comics and Penguin Random House’s various “Avatar” print spinoffs. Landau also directed the creation of a well-received Ubisoft game released in December, “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora,” and an online multiplayer role-playing game from Tencent Games’ Level Infinite called “Avatar: Reckoning.”
Landa’s other production credits include 1987’s “Campus Man,” 2002’s “Solaris” and 2019’s “Alita: Battle Angel.”
He leaves behind his wife, Julie Landau, to whom he has been married for nearly 40 years, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodi Landau. He is also survived by his siblings Tina, Kathy and Les Landau.
Those who worked with Landa paid tribute, including Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, who said, “John was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen. His significant contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed. An iconic and successful producer, but still a great man and a true force of nature who inspired everyone around him.Our thoughts are with John’s wife Julie and his family and loved ones at this difficult time.
Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh’s Wētā FX, which was the visual effects company for the “Avatar” films, released a statement: “We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of John Landa. John was not only a tremendous figure in the film industry. , was a cherished collaborator and friend. John brought an unparalleled passion to the projects he worked on, and his influence will be an inspiration for many years to come. Our deepest condolences go out to John’s family and loved ones, and to the Lightstorm Entertainment team.
Joe Letteri, who was the VFX supervisor on the “Avatar” films, added in his own statement, “I am heartbroken by the loss of our friend John Landau. He was a wonderful and generous man, and a world-class filmmaker who will leave a legacy that will last for generations. Our team at Wētā FX On behalf of everyone, it was an honor to work with him. His dedication to the art of filmmaking inspires us every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“Titanic” actor Francis Fisher X paid tribute to LandaWriting, “Rest in Power John.”
Landau was born on July 30, 1960 in New York, NY to Eli and Eddie Landau, both filmmakers. He attended USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
