Jeremy Thomas, British producer of The Last Emperor and Sexy Beast, dies aged 77

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Published: 2026-09-12T14:25:07.654Z • Permanent link

Jeremy Thomas, the renowned British producer of the critically acclaimed films The Last Emperor and Sexy Beast, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas was a highly respected figure in the film industry, known for his collaborations with esteemed directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci and David Cronenberg. His work on The Last Emperor, which won nine Academy Awards in 1988, earned him a BAFTA Award for Best British Film. Thomas's production company, Working Title Films, was behind the successful films High-Rise and Sunshine on Leith. His legacy in the film industry will be remembered for his innovative approach to storytelling and his ability to bring complex projects to life.

Thomas's career spanned over four decades, during which he worked with some of the most prominent filmmakers in the industry. He was particularly known for his work with British directors such as Danny Boyle and Guy Ritchie. Thomas's production company, Working Title Films, was acquired by Universal Pictures in 2016, further solidifying his impact on the film industry. The company has since produced numerous successful films, including the Despicable Me and Sing franchises. Thomas's passing is a significant loss for the film industry, and his contributions will be deeply missed by his peers and fans alike.

Thomas's personal life was also marked by a number of significant events. He was born in 1945 in London, England, and grew up in a middle-class family. Thomas attended the University of London, where he studied economics and politics. After graduating, he began his career in the film industry, working as a production assistant on various films and television shows. Thomas's success in the film industry was largely due to his ability to identify and develop talented directors and writers, and to provide them with the resources and support they needed to bring their visions to life.

Jeremy Thomas's passing has significant implications for the film industry, particularly in terms of the impact on his production company, Working Title Films. The company has a number of high-profile projects in development, including a new film based on the bestselling novel The Goldfinch. The loss of Thomas's expertise and experience will undoubtedly be felt, particularly in terms of the company's ability to identify and develop new talent. The film industry is also likely to experience a significant shift in terms of the types of films that are being produced, as Thomas's passing marks the end of an era for British filmmakers.

The loss of Jeremy Thomas also has broader implications for the film industry as a whole. Thomas's passing marks the end of an era for British filmmakers, who have long been known for their innovative approach to storytelling and their ability to bring complex projects to life. The film industry is likely to experience a significant shift in terms of the types of films that are being produced, as Thomas's passing marks the end of an era for British filmmakers. The impact of Thomas's passing will also be felt in terms of the impact on the film industry's ability to attract and retain talent, as Thomas's reputation as a shrewd and insightful producer will be deeply missed.

Jeremy Thomas's passing is the latest in a long line of significant losses for the film industry. The industry has experienced a number of high-profile deaths in recent years, including the passing of film legends such as Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. These losses have had a significant impact on the industry, and have led to a renewed focus on the importance of preserving the legacy of these filmmakers. Thomas's passing is also part of a broader trend towards increased globalization in the film industry, as filmmakers from around the world are increasingly working together to bring new ideas and perspectives to the screen.