Titanic and Avatar producer Jon Landau dies at 63 due to cancer

Oscar-winning film producer Jon Landau died on Friday, July 5. He was 63. According to reports, the cause of death was cancer. Landau is survived by his wife, Julie, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie. He is also survived by his siblings, Tina, Kathy, and Les Landau.

Landau, a native of Brooklyn, New York, was a close collaborator of James Cameron. Together, they produced iconic films such as Titanic, Avatar, and its 2022 sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water — three of the highest-grossing movies in cinematic history. Landau also served as the chief operating officer for Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, where they produced other notable films like 2002’s Solaris and 2019’s Alita: Battle Angel. The duo was actively planning the future of the Avatar franchise.

Before partnering with Cameron, Landau held the position of executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of films such as Die Hard 2, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Power Rangers.

Landau's return to producing with 1997’s Titanic was a significant milestone in his career. The film, directed by Cameron, made history as the first to cross $1 billion at the global box office and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Titanic star Frances Fisher took to social media on Saturday to pay her condolences. She wrote, “Rest in Power Jon.”

John Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, Landau for leaving a lastingimpact on the industry in a statement to People. “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,” said Bergman.

Filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, whose company Wētā FX provided visual effects for the Avatar films, also expressed their grief in a statement, which read, “We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau. 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.”