Jeremy Thomas, the influential British film producer, died on Friday, September 12, 2026, at his country home in Oxfordshire. He was 77 years old. Thomas was celebrated for his work on more than 80 films, including the Oscar-winning epic The Last Emperor and the controversial Crash.
His passing marks the end of an era for independent cinema. Thomas remained active in film production until his death, with new projects premiering posthumously.
A Life Dedicated to Cinema
Born Jeremy Jack Thomas on July 26, 1949, in London, England, Thomas came from a filmmaking lineage. His father, Ralph Thomas, was a director, and his uncle, Gerald Thomas, produced the Carry On film series. This early exposure to the industry shaped his future.
Thomas began his career in the 1970s, quickly establishing a reputation for supporting visionary directors and challenging material. He founded Recorded Picture Company, his primary production banner, which became synonymous with critically acclaimed and often audacious films.
The Oscar-Winning Triumph of ‘The Last Emperor’
One of Thomas’s most significant achievements came in 1988 with Bernardo Bertolucci‘s The Last Emperor. This epic biographical drama about Puyi, the last Emperor of China, swept the Academy Awards, winning all nine categories for which it was nominated, including Best Picture.
Thomas’s role as producer was crucial in bringing the ambitious project to fruition. The film’s success solidified his standing as a producer capable of delivering both artistic integrity and global appeal. It was a landmark achievement for European cinema on the international stage.
Collaborations with Visionary Directors
Throughout his career, Thomas became known for his enduring collaborations with distinctive filmmakers. He worked repeatedly with Bernardo Bertolucci, David Cronenberg, and Nagisa Ōshima, among others.
His partnership with David Cronenberg yielded several notable films, including Crash (1996), a provocative exploration of fetishism and car accidents that garnered significant critical attention and controversy. Other collaborations included Naked Lunch (1991) and A Dangerous Method (2011).
Thomas also produced Nagisa Ōshima’s Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), starring David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto, further demonstrating his commitment to international and artistically bold projects.
A Legacy of Independent Film
Thomas’s influence extended beyond individual films. Through Recorded Picture Company and later Hanway Films, which he founded, he championed independent cinema. Hanway Films became a significant sales agent for independent productions worldwide, helping to finance and distribute a diverse slate of movies.
His dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his willingness to take risks on unconventional stories earned him respect across the industry. He was a producer who prioritized artistic vision over commercial expediency, often navigating complex international co-production deals to realize challenging projects.
Final Projects and Enduring Impact
At the time of his death, Jeremy Thomas remained actively involved in film production. Werner Herzog’s latest film, Bucking Fastard, which Thomas produced, premiered at the Venice Film Festival shortly before his passing. This demonstrated his continued passion and commitment to cinema.
Another of his productions, Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, a collaboration with Japanese director Takashi Miike, is scheduled to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 14, 2026. These final projects underscore his lifelong dedication to bringing diverse cinematic voices to the screen.
Thomas’s career spanned over five decades. He produced films that challenged audiences, pushed boundaries, and earned critical acclaim. His work leaves an indelible mark on global cinema.
Filmmakers mourned. Audiences reflected. The industry remembered. A producer.
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