Zoe Saldaña, Alan Bergman, Peter Jackson and Avatar: The Way of Water cast and crewmembers are among those in Hollywood paying tribute to Jon Landau, who died Friday at 63.
Landau was an Oscar-winning producer, most known for his collaborations with James Cameron on blockbuster films including Titanic and the Avatar franchise. His other credits include Alita: Battle Angel, Solaris and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
Saldaña, who starred in 2009’s Avatar and 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water, wrote in a tribute on Instagram following the news of his death, “Words are hard to put together right now, your passing is hitting really hard. You are leaving us too soon, my thoughts are with you and your family right now. Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for. The memories we shared together will always hold a special place in my heart. 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, shared in a statement, “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.”
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 films, also remembered the producer in a joint statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau,” they wrote. “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.”
Joe Letteri, who won the best achievement in visual effects Oscar for his work on Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, paid tribute to Landau, writing in a statement, “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 honor 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.”
Read more tributes below.
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