Jeremy Thomas, Legendary Producer of Bertolucci and Herzog, Dies During Venice Film Festival 2026
Jeremy Thomas, the iconic producer whose daring projects have influenced global auteur cinema for five decades, has passed away. Condolences were conveyed by the President, Director General, Head of the Historical Archive, Artistic Director of the Cinema Exhibition, and the entire Biennale di Venezia. This year, Thomas produced Bucking Fastard by Werner Herzog, which was showcased in competition at the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica 2026, concluding today. He also featured in Luca Guadagnino's documentary Joie de Vivre, celebrating the legacy of Bernardo Bertolucci. In addition to Bertolucci, who directed L'ultimo imperatore (1987), Thomas worked with filmmakers such as Stephen Frears, Terry Gilliam, and Jim Jarmusch. Notable productions include The Dreamers (2003) and Terra promessa (2004), both highlighted at the Venice Film Festival.
Key facts
- Jeremy Thomas, legendary film producer, has died
- He produced Bucking Fastard by Werner Herzog, in competition at the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica 2026
- The 2026 Venice Film Festival concludes today
- Thomas appeared in Luca Guadagnino's documentary Joie de Vivre, dedicated to Bernardo Bertolucci
- He produced L'ultimo imperatore (1987) with Bernardo Bertolucci
- Directors he worked with include Stephen Frears, Matteo Garrone, Terry Gilliam, Jim Jarmusch, Richard Linklater, Ken Loach, Karel Reisz, Jerzy Skolimowski, and Wim Wenders
- He produced The Dreamers (2003) by Bernardo Bertolucci and Terra promessa (2004) by Amos Gitai, both shown at the Venice Film Festival
- The Biennale di Venezia expressed condolences through its President, Director General, Head of the Historical Archive, and Artistic Director of the Cinema Exhibition
Entities
Artists
- Jeremy Thomas
- Werner Herzog
- Luca Guadagnino
- Bernardo Bertolucci
- Stephen Frears
- Matteo Garrone
- Terry Gilliam
- Jim Jarmusch
- Richard Linklater
- Ken Loach
- Karel Reisz
- Jerzy Skolimowski
- Wim Wenders
- Amos Gitai
Institutions
- Biennale di Venezia
- Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica
- Mostra del Cinema di Venezia
Locations
- Venezia
- Italy