Jon Landau, Oscar-Winning Producer of ‘Titanic,’ Dead at 63

Jon Landau attends the 2023 Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2023. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer known for his work on “Titanic” and “Avatar,” passed away at the age of 63 on Friday.

His son, Jamie Landau, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, although further details about the cause of death have not been disclosed.

Born on July 30, 1960, in New York City to film producers Ely and Edie Landau, Jon Landau’s path to Hollywood greatness was perhaps destined from the start. He honed his craft at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, setting the stage for a career that would leave an indelible impact on the film industry.

Mr. Landau’s rise in Hollywood began at the age of 29 when he became the executive vice president of feature film production at 20th Century Fox, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the creation of blockbuster hits including “Die Hard 2,” “Power Rangers,” “The Last of the Mohicans,” and “True Lies.” It was on the set of “True Lies” that Mr. Landau first connected with director James Cameron, marking the beginning of a lifelong professional partnership.

Mr. Landau was a key figure in bringing Mr. Cameron’s ambitious blockbusters to the big screen, overcoming logistical challenges and budget constraints. His involvement in the production of “Titanic” included supervising the construction of Fox Baja Studios in Mexico, where the film was shot. “Titanic” went on to become a massive success, grossing over $2.3 billion worldwide.

Mr. Landau’s collaboration with Mr. Cameron did not end with “Titanic.” He ascended to the role of chief operating officer at Mr. Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment. There, he was instrumental in developing a variety of ancillary projects that expanded the “Avatar” universe, including partnerships with Dark Horse Comics and Penguin Random House.

The producer is survived by his wife, Julie, to whom he was married for nearly four decades, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie. He also leaves behind his siblings, Tina, Kathy, and Les.

Tributes

Friends and family mourned the loss of Mr. Landau with tributes and words of remembrance.

Mr. Landau’s sister Tina took to X, posting: “The best brother a girl could ever dream of—my brother Jon—has passed away. My heart is broken but also bursting with pride & gratitude for his most extraordinary life, and the love and gifts he gave me—and all who knew him or his films.”

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh of Wētā FX, the visual effects company behind the “Avatar” films, expressed their sorrow in a statement to Variety: “We are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau. He was a monumental figure in the film industry and a cherished collaborator and friend. His passion and 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.”

The X account for “Titanic” posted a photo of the producer on the film set with the caption: “Honoring Jon Landau, the visionary producer of Titanic. His remarkable impact on cinema will go on forever.”