Landau collaborated with James Cameron on such blockbuster films as Titanic and the Avatar franchise. Other credits included Solaris, Alita: Battle Angel directed by Robert Rodriguez, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Dick Tracy .
“Words are hard to put together right now, your passing is hitting really hard,” Avatar franchise star Zoe Saldaña wrote on Instagram next to photos with Landau. “Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for…Your legacy will continue to inspire us and guide us in our journey. Rest in peace, dear Jon. You will be deeply missed.”
Said fellow Avatar star Sam Worthington, “Jon was all heart. He made everything and everyone he touched feel they could be better. He led with humor and strength, compassion and kindness. The People say all energy is borrowed and someday you have to give it back. I see you, Jon.”
“Jon Landau was the kindest and best of men,” she said. “He was a man who was rich with compassion and exceptional at supporting and nurturing teams of phenomenal creative people. His strength in life was knowing the importance of family, at home and at work. He was always full of smiles and gratitude. I can’t believe I am writing this, can’t believe he is gone.”
Said fellow Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio, “Jon was an incredibly kind, wise, and empathetic soul, who wanted to create nothing but a positive impact on anyone or anything approached. His legacy and leadership will live on forever.”
Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, which produces Avatar , issued a statement on Landau’s death.
“Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen. His remarkable contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, 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 all around him.
“Our thoughts are with Jon’s wife, Julie, and his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson and screenwriter Fran Walsh, whose digital visual effects and animation company Wētā FX worked with Landau on the Avatar movies, also mourned him in a statement.
Deadline Related Video
“We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau,” they said. “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.”
Said Joe Letteri, who won an Academy Award for his work on Avatar in his role as Senior Visual Effects Supervisor of Wētā FX, “I am heartbroken at the loss of our friend Jon Landau. He was an amazing and generous man, and a world-class film maker who leaves a legacy that will last for generations. On behalf of all of us at Wētā FX, it was an honour to work beside him. His dedication to the art of film making inspired us every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Director Robert Rodriguez also bid farewell to his colleague.
“Devastated by the loss of my friend and Alita, producer Jon Landau. He was so kind and personable that it was easy to forget he was also producing the biggest films in the world. He loved his family and his extended filmmaking family. He was a true inspiration and will be greatly missed.”
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Most Popular
Comments / 0