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 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.” 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.
Read more on deadline.com