Jamie Christopher, who was an associate producer and first assistant director on such Marvel films as Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron and more, died at his home today of heart complications. He was 52.
Marvel Studios executives Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito issued a joint statement on Christopher’s passing.
“We are incredibly saddened by Jamie’s passing. 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. 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.”
Christopher frequently worked with Rian Johnson, James Gunn, David Yates, and Sam Raimi, among others.
He first teamed with Johnson on The Last Jedi (2017), who brought him back to launch his Knives Out series in 2019.
Christopher also was key in the Harry Potter franchise, serving as first assistant director or first assistant director: second unit on all eight of the films released from 2001-11.
“Jamie was a good friend, and he loved making movies,” Johnson said in a statement. “He loved his crew, loved his job, the process of it and the history of it. He was truly one of the greats, and this is a heartbreaking loss for everyone who was lucky enough to work with him.”
Gunn added, “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.”
Christopher’s first credit came with David Fincher’s Alien 3 in 1992. Other credits in the ’90s included GoldenEye, The Fifth Element, and The Mummy.
Christopher is survived by his wife, Carly, their child, Killeon, and three children from a prior marriage: Stella, Teddy, and Phoebe. No memorial plans have been announced.