James Cameron pays tribute to late producer Jon Landau, lamenting "a part of myself"

James Cameron expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Jon Landau, a longtime collaborator and friend, known for his pivotal role in producing blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar. 

In a poignant statement shared with Deadline, Cameron eulogized Landau as a central figure in the Avatar franchise and a source of inspiration for the entire team.

“The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau,” Cameron began. He emphasised Landau’s infectious humour, magnetic personality, and unwavering determination that shaped their creative journey over nearly two decades. “His legacy extends beyond the films he produced; he exemplified resilience, compassion, and a unique vision,” Cameron added.

Reflecting on their 31-year partnership, Cameron described Landau not only as a collaborator but as a dear friend whose absence leaves a profound void. Landau, aged 63, passed away on Friday following a courageous battle with cancer.

Before joining forces with Cameron at Lightstorm Entertainment, Landau served as EVP of Feature Productions at 20th Century Fox. Together, they achieved monumental success with Titanic in 1997 and Avatar in 2009, setting new benchmarks in cinematic history.

Recalling their early days, Landau humorously reminisced about their initial scepticism and eventual camaraderie during the making of True Lies in 1994. Despite starting on opposite sides, their collaboration blossomed when Cameron approached him with the script for Titanic after his departure from Fox.

“We started small, but the relationship grew,” Landau noted. “We built something significant.”