The relaxation of a long holiday weekend was shattered today for many, as news spread of the death at 63 of producer Jon Landau.
Landau collaborated with James Cameron on such blockbuster films as Titanic and the Avatar franchise. Other credits includedSolaris, Alita: BattleAngeldirected by Robert Rodriguez, and Honey, I Shrunk theKidsandDick Tracy.
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“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.”
Avatar’s Sigourney Weaver said: “There were two poles in our Avatar world that kept it spinning. Jim Cameron was one pole, and the other was Jon Landau. Jon made impossible feats of filmmaking seem doable on a daily basis. He brought a sense of adventure, warmth and community to everything he did. His loss is incalculable, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”
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.”
Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water star Kate Winslet also remembered Landau.
“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.
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“We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we aredevastatedby 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 workedon andhis influence will continue to inspire for years to come. Our deepest condolencesare 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, itwas 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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/sAukOZYbiK
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 7, 2024
