The film world is losing an important mediator between Europe and Hollywood: Moritz Borman is dead. The German producer died on July 1, 2026, at the age of 71 in Munich, where his latest film project was being shot at the time. This was confirmed by his longtime producer colleagues Eric Kopeloff and Philip Schulz-Deyle to the industry magazine "Deadline". According to reports, Borman apparently died of natural causes.
In a joint statement, the two companions honored Borman as one of the "most capable and respected independent producers of his generation". Over a career spanning more than four decades, he brought more than 25 feature films to the screen.
Close Ties to Oliver Stone
Particularly formative was Borman's collaboration with director Oliver Stone. Together they realized, among others, the historical epic "Alexander" (2004), the drama "World Trade Center" (2006), the George W. Bush biography "W." (2008), the thriller "Savages" (2012), as well as "Snowden" (2016) about the NSA whistleblower.
Borman also became known to a wide cinema audience through two sequels of one of the most famous science fiction franchises ever: He was responsible for "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" (2003) as well as "Terminator Salvation" (2009). His other productions include the comedy "The Wedding Planner" with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, "Nurse Betty", and the Oscar-nominated "The Quiet American".
From German Television to Los Angeles
Born on April 16, 1955, in Germany, Borman began his career as a director and producer in German television before moving to Los Angeles and attending the renowned American Film Institute. His first Hollywood feature film was John Huston's "Under the Volcano" (1984) with Albert Finney in the lead role - a work that received two Oscar nominations.
Until the very end, Borman dedicated himself to a new endeavor: a still-untitled film about the Monsanto corporation, which director John Lee Hancock is directing for Netflix. "After many years of development, he was immensely proud to finally see the project go into production", the statement says. Kopeloff and Schulz-Deyle announced that they intend to complete the film in his spirit.
His colleagues want to remember him as a bridge builder. "As a producer and entrepreneur, Moritz helped shape the world of independent film by creating creative and financial connections between Europe and Hollywood", the two said. Their thoughts are now with Borman's family, his friends, and the many colleagues worldwide whose lives he touched.
