Director David R. Ellis died on Jan. 7 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Deadline reported the death of Ellis on Jan. 7.
David was in South Africa in preparation of directing the upcoming film “KITE.” The film, a live action adaptation of a 1998 anime film, was going to reunite Ellis with Samuel L. Jackson, whom he directed in “Snakes on a Plane.”
David was an actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator before moving on to directing. In addition to “Snakes on a Plane,” Ellis was involved in films including, “Final Destination 2,” “The Final Destination,” “Waterworld,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “Cellular,” “Asylum,” “Winter’s Tale” and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
Fans are saddened to hear of David’s passing. Cary Moshman, an autograph collector in Florida, wrote on Facebook,
“One of my favorite film makers, David R. Ellis, has passed away. When I wrote to him and asked if he would sign some photos, he not only signed them, but he also mailed me a full size autographed ‘The Final Destination’ poster. He was a great guy, and a very talented filmmaker. I will miss him.”
Ellis was 60 years old and the cause of death is not yet known.
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