The Banshees Of Inisherin co-producer James Flynn has died aged 57.
The film producer passed away on Saturday morning, but remained ‘courageous, dignified, and positive to the very end.’ A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
His passing was announced by The Irish Times and comes after the dark comedy flick starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson earned nine Oscar nominations at the upcoming Academy Awards.
The co-founder of Metropolitan Film Productions is survived by his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna.
His colleague, producer Ed Guiney, who worked with James on 1998’s Sweety Barrett, has paid a touching tribute.
Sad news: The Banshees Of Inisherin co-producer James Flynn has died aged 57
He told the outlet: ‘James was a wonderful person, a brilliant producer – he had an encyclopedic knowledge of film and was the smartest of all of my generation of producers.
‘He made massive contributions to the industry at the Film Board, as a member of Screen Producers Ireland and as a producer.’
In a statement, Metropolitan Films added: ‘All of us in Metropolitan Films are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed founder, colleague and great friend James Flynn, who departed peacefully on Saturday morning with his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna by his side.
“No, words can adequately describe the immense contribution James has made to the Irish film and television industry over three decades on both a national and international level.
‘He willingly and generously gave his advice and guidance to all who sought his counsel, from young emerging film-makers to established Irish and international industry practitioners.
‘James fought his recent illness with courage, dignity, and positivity to the very end. For that reason we are acutely aware that the news of his passing has been an unexpected shock for all of us.’
Success: Actors Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan in director Martin McDonagh’s critically acclaimed The Banshees of Inisherin; the film has earned nine Academy Award nominations
Tragic: The co-founder of Metropolitan Film Productions is survived by his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna (pictured: Flynn and Wilson at the 5th Annual ‘Oscar Wilde: Honoring The Irish In Film’ gala in 2010)
Colleagues: He was known for working with fellow Irish stars, teaming up with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson (pictured together in The Banshees of Inisherin) on various productions
James’ recent credits include Sir Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, the Disenchanted sequel and Greta starring Isabelle Hupper.
Away from the big screen, he was also the executive producer on the hit series Vikings and its spinoff Valhalla.
He was known for working with fellow Irish stars, teaming up with Farrell and Gleeson on various productions.
In 1997, he and his wife Juanita founded Metropolitan Film Productions, working on a whole host of film and TV productions.
In 2002, he launched Octagon Films, with credits including Neil Jordan’s Ondine and Irish comedy Rory O’Shea Was Here, starring James McAvoy and Steven Robertson.
James earned Oscar nominations for his 2008 short film The Door and the 2009 animation The Secret of Kells.
Talent: Flynn’s recent credits include Sir Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, the Disenchanted sequel and Greta starring Isabelle Huppert (pictured alongside producer Neil Jordan in 2011)
Success: Colin Farrell has been nominated for Best Actor at the 95th annual Academy Awards, having also been nominated for a Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Award (pictured with his Golden Globe in January)
Nominees for the 95th annual Academy Awards were announced on January 24 by Riz Ahmed and Allison Williams, with several nods for the Martin McDonagh directed The Banshees Of Inisherin – among them Best Actor for leading man Farrell.
The nomination continues Farrell’s successful awards season run, having also been nominated for Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe awards.
The Irish star appears opposite long-time friend and colleague Gleeson in Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy – which is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland.
Gleeson was nominated for best actor in a supporting role for The Banshees Of Inisherin, alongside Barry Keoghan.
Kerry Condon also received a nod for her role in the film, which was nominated in the best directing category for McDonagh and best picture overall.
