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Hollywood legend behind John Wick and Saw dies aged 55 as tributes paid to 'fearless spirit'

Jason Constantine, who was co-president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, died at home after a 'fearless' battle with cancer, the studio said in a statement

[Close up of Keanu Reeves and Jason Constantine]

John Wick star Keanu Reeves with Jason Constantinewho helped bring the movies to the screen(Image: Getty)

Jason Constantine, co-president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and a key figure behind the John Wick franchise, has tragically passed away at home aged 55 following a lengthy battle with cancer. The studio confirmed the sad news in an official statement.

"With his fearless spirit, creative energy and enduring talent relationships, Jason embodied the very best of our studio and our industry. His influence will continue to be felt in many of our most successful franchises," they expressed.

"His career was built around the principles that a great idea can come from anywhere, a box office triumph is meant to be shared by an entire team and our creative choices need to be bold and daring. We mourn the passing of a highly respected executive, a trusted partner and a cherished friend, and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kristin, his three children and his entire family," they concluded.

The esteemed Hollywood executive played a pivotal role in delivering some of the most iconic films and franchises to the silver screen.

[Close up of Jason Constantine smiling with John Wick branding behind him]

Jason Constantine, the Lionsgate co-president who helped bring John Wick to screen, has died(Image: Getty)

In addition to John Wick, he was a driving force behind the immensely popular Saw horror series, spearheading the studio's bid to acquire it after viewing a brief concept short, reports the Express.

His portfolio also includes involvement with The Expendables franchise; Best Picture Oscar winner Crash; Precious, which bagged two Oscars out of five nominations and Rian Johnson's Oscar-nominated $312million global-grossing Knives Out.

He also left his mark on other blockbuster films such as the Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson led global action hit The Hitman's Bodyguard, Kick Ass, and Rambo: Last Blood.

A film enthusiast from a young age, he dipped his toes into the world of filmmaking while pursuing his MFA in film production.

His creative prowess was evident in the short films For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls and Ashes, which he both wrote and directed, with the latter bagging the Producers Guild of America Award for best student short film.

Upon his promotion to Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions in 2008, co-COO at the time, Joe Drake, lauded his "superb creative instincts" and his knack for "an affinity for unique material which generate uncommonly good movies."

He leaves behind his wife, Kristin, and his sons Lucas, Xander and Nicholas.

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