A top Hollywood director has passed away at the age of just 52.
Jamie Christopher was a first assistant director who was known for his work on dozens of high-grossing movies including all eight Harry Potter films.
Among other credits, Christopher helped direct a number of Star Wars and Marvel movies including Justice League, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Knives Out, Star Wars: Episode VII: The Last Jedi, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Black Widow, and most recently Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
According to Deadline, the “man with unrivaled talent” died at the age of just 52 after suffering heart complications.
“We are incredibly saddened by Jamie’s passing,” MCU president Kevin Feige and co-president Louis D’Esposito wrote in a joint statement.
“He has been a part of the Marvel Studios team for over a decade, and on productions like Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Widow and more. He was a calm presence behind the camera, and a wonderful, supportive crew member on set.”
The tribute added: “Jamie first joined Marvel Studios as an AD on Thor: The Dark World and because of his hard work and diligence was upped to an Executive Producer on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and the upcoming Fantastic Four.
“Jamie was a beloved member of our Marvel Studios family, and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Hundreds of entertainment figures and fans alike have since spoken out to pay tribute to the dedicated man and passionate director.
“Jamie was one of the best in the film business, period, much less in his field. When I first met him, I didn’t know they made ADs like him, and he changed my view of them entirely. I loved him as a friend and a collaborator, and I’ll miss his laugh. I’m heartbroken to have lost him,” DC president James Gunn expressed.
Filmmaker Rian Johnson added: “Jamie Christopher was one of the best ADs around, and a good friend. What made Jamie so special was the love he had for the process and history of making movies, but even more than that, it was his love of his crew.
A great AD controls a set not by shouting through a bullhorn but by earning a crew’s love and respect. Jamie was one of the all time greats. We’ve lost him too soon.”
Our thoughts remain with Jamie’s loved ones – including wife Carly and children Killeon, Stella, Teddy, and Phoebe – during this challenging time.