Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer of “Titanic” and both “Avatar” movies, died of cancer on Friday, July 5. He was 63.

My Oscar Book:

Landau, a longtime producing partner to James Cameron, was behind 3 of the top four highest-grossing movies of all time.

Landau helped make history with Titanic, the first film to cross $1 billion at the global box office.

He topped that movie’s record-breaking grosses twice, with 2009’s Avatar and its sequel, 2022’s Avatar: The Way of Water.

Before his death, Landau was involved in the “Avatar” sequels. Cameron plans to fill his blockbuster sci-fi franchise with 5 movies in total, with the fifth tentatively coming out in 2031.

Speaking at the “Way of Water” premiere, Landau recalled screening the movie for the cast. “When I saw them tearing up, I had to tear up,” he said.

At age 29, Landau became the executive vice president of film production at 20th Century Fox, where he oversaw “Die Hard 2,” “Power Rangers,” “The Last of the Mohicans” and 1994’s “True Lies,” on which he worked with Cameron.

When Landau left Fox, Cameron asked him if he wanted to read the script for a project with the code name “Planet Ice,” which eventually became 1997’s Titanic.

He was the architect of Lightstorm’s ancillary projects, such as Dark Horse Comics and Penguin Random House’s various “Avatar” print spinoffs. Landau also advised the creation of “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora,” the Ubisoft game released in December, as well as online multiplayer role-playing game from Tencent Games’ Level Infinite called “Avatar: Reckoning.”

In 2022 interview with The Talks, Landau said of his career: “I could never just sit at a desk and sign off on anything. Not just as a producer, but in life. I want to participate, I want to have a voice, I want to have an influence. I want to be able to inspire people to go beyond what they think their own capabilities are, for them to feel pride in what we’re doing. I think that’s a very big thing. I never want to be that guy just at a desk anywhere in life.”

Those who worked with Landau offered tributes, including co-chair of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman: “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. Our thoughts are with Jon’s wife, Julie, and his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Joe Letteri, who was the VFX supervisor on the Avatar films, added: “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 honour to work beside him. His dedication to the art of filmmaking inspired us every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Stephen Rivkin, an editor on the “Avatar” films, said in a statement: “Jon was our hero.  He is and will always be the greatest champion of the Avatar movies and the guiding light of the Avatar family who have worked and continue to work on these films. He was a one-of-a-kind giant in our industry. I am so fortunate to have known him and to have had him in my life, both professionally and as a dear friend. We will miss him beyond what words can express. He will continue to live in our hearts forever.”

“Titanic” VFX supervisor and collaborator Robert Legato wrote: “It absolutely breaks my heart to have to write this tribute to Jon. I was extraordinarily lucky to be involved in two of the biggest films ever made, and I could not believe my good fortune in getting a chance to work with a legendary figure like Jon. For me, loving film history as I do, it felt like working with David Selznick, Darryl Zanuck, Sam Spiegel, and Louis B. Mayer all wrapped into one. The highest-grossing films of all time, most Oscar wins—Jon is in that very small pantheon of the most successful producers this business has ever seen. Personally, he was a great friend, an encouraging colleague, and a master at making you feel like you were the most important voice in the room. He did this for everyone, and the collective contribution he fostered showed on screen as a gift for audiences the world over.”