Disney CEO Bob Iger Issues Official Notice Amid Tragic Death of Disney and Hollywood Legend

Disney CEO has released a tragic statement after the passing of Disney and Hollywood legend and leader, Jon Landau.

The film industry grieves the loss of Jon Landau, a visionary producer whose collaborative spirit and unwavering belief in the power of cinema left an indelible mark. Landau, who passed away at the age of 63, was best known for his groundbreaking partnership with director James Cameron, resulting in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. Landau had been battling cancer for more than a year prior to his passing.

Landau’s career trajectory mirrored the rise of James Cameron. Their partnership, as Cameron himself described it, thrived on “a balance of humor and fierce will.” This potent combination yielded three Oscar nominations, culminating in a win for Best Picture with the 1997 epic Titanic. Landau’s unwavering belief in the “dream of cinema” and his “vast generosity of spirit” resonated deeply with Cameron, who highlighted these qualities in a lengthy statement: “I worked with Jon Landau for 31 years and I never saw him downcast once. He led with a balance of humor and fierce will, and true joy in the work.”

Cameron shared, “The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau. His zany humor, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the center of our Avatar universe for almost two decades. His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique.

He produced great films, not by wielding power but by spreading warmth and the joy of making cinema. He inspired us all to be and to bring our best, every day. I have lost a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years. A part of myself has been torn away.”

Landau’s journey began in the 1980s, steadily rising through the ranks from production manager to co-producer on films like Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Dick Tracy. His pivotal role in Titanic, a film that revolutionized special effects and captivated audiences worldwide, cemented his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. As Landau himself quipped while accepting the Best Picture award with Cameron, “I can’t act and I can’t compose and I can’t do visual effects, so I guess that’s why I’m producing.”

The success of Titanic was merely the first chapter in Landau’s remarkable career.

He became a top executive at Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment, and in 2009, their groundbreaking sci-fi epic Avatar shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film ever made. Its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, continues the franchise’s legacy, a testament to Landau’s commitment to pushing boundaries.

The creation of Avatar led to Landau having a lasting mark in the Disney parks, as Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World adding in a new land, Pandora. Pandora would bring the world of Avatar to life, creating one of the most popular attractions in the theme park’s history, Flight of Passage. In the queue of Flight of Passage, guests may notice a set of three red handprints with the initials JC, JR, and JL. These handprints belong to James Cameron, Joe Rohde, and Jon Landau respectively.

Soon, Disneyland Resort will also have Pandora added to its theme park landscape, further spreading the legacy Landau helped foster.

Landau’s influence extended beyond the world of Pandora. He championed the manga adaptation Alita: Battle Angel, demonstrating his dedication to diverse storytelling. Tributes from stars like Zoe Saldaña underscored his profound impact. Saldaña, in an emotional tribute on Instagram, stated, “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.”

Born in New York in 1960 to film producer parents Ely and Edie Landau, Jon seemed destined for a life in cinema. He honed his craft at the University of Southern California’s film school and quickly rose through the ranks. Early on, he was named an executive vice president of feature movies at 20th Century Fox at the young age of 29. This led him to oversee major hits like Home Alone and its sequel, as well as Mrs. Doubtfire and True Lies, where he first started working closely with James Cameron.

Jon Landau leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond box office numbers. His unwavering passion for film, coupled with his collaborative spirit, enriched not only James Cameron’s vision but the entire film industry.

As Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment co-chairman, aptly stated in a statement, Landau 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.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger has also chimed in with some sad words following the passing.

The Boardwalk Times shared his statement: ““We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jon Landau, a great person, a friend, & a towering figure in our industry. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, & to Jim Cameron, his partner for 27 wonderfully productive and creative years””

Bob Iger on the passing of Jon Landau

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jon Landau, a great person, a friend, & a towering figure in our industry. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, & to Jim Cameron, his partner for 27 wonderfully productive and creative years” pic.twitter.com/9QT5U39IQn

— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) July 6, 2024

Landau is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Julie; their sons, Jamie and Jodie; and two sisters and a brother. The world of cinema has lost a giant, but Jon Landau’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and moviegoers alike.

We wish Jon Landau’s friends and family our deepest condolences during this time.