Jon Landau, "Titanic" and "Avatar" producer, dies aged 63

Jon Landau, a prominent film producer known for his work on blockbuster hits such as "Titanic" and "Avatar," passed away at the age of 63. Landau's contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Landau's most notable collaborations with director James Cameron resulted in two of the highest-grossing films of all time. The success of "Titanic" and "Avatar" solidified Landau's reputation as a powerhouse producer capable of delivering groundbreaking cinematic experiences.

Landau's family announced his death Saturday. No cause of death was given.

Landau's partnership with Cameron led to three Oscar nominations and a best picture win for 1997's "Titanic." Together the pair account for some of the biggest blockbusters in movie history, including "Avatar" and its sequel, "Avatar: The Way of Water."

"Jon Landau believed in the dream of cinema. He believed that film is the ultimate human art form, and to make films you have to first be human yourself," Cameron said in a lengthy statement posted by The Hollywood Reporter. "He will be remembered as much for his vast generosity of spirit as for the movies themselves.

When Landau decided to leave Fox to return to producing, he said he had offers from three directors to collaborate on their next projects. He decided to go with Cameron, who wanted to make a movie code-named “Planet Ice.” That, of course, would turn out to be Titanic (1997).

Landau supervised the 100-day construction of Fox Baja Studios, the 40-acre oceanfront facility in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, that housed huge movie sets, the largest shooting tank in the world and five soundstages, one about the size of a football field.

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.”

Landau's career began in the 1980s as a production manager, and he gradually rose through the ranks until taking on a producer role on "Titanic," Cameron's expensive epic about the infamous disaster. The bet paid off: "Titanic" became the first movie to cross $1 billion in global box-office earnings and went on to win 11 Oscars, including best picture.

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Sarah H

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