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‘Huge loss to the industry’: ’The Banshees of Inisherin’, ‘Vikings’ producer James Flynn dies at 57

James Flynn was the co-producer on 'The Banshees Of Inisherin' and was known as someone who had a deep love and knowledge of films

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Irish producer and co-founder of Metropolitan Films James Flynn, whose credits include Oscar favorite 'The Banshees of Inisherin', has died at age 57, following an undisclosed illness on 11th February. The news of his passing was first reported by The Irish Times. Flynn is known to have founded the production company Metropolitan Films with his wife Juanita Wilson. The producer's credits are filled with some well-known titles of Hollywood from 'The Last Duel' to hit romantic comedies — 'PS I Love You' and 'Love Rosie'.

Known as a wonderful person and someone who had a deep love and knowledge of films, Flynn was the co-producer on Martin McDonagh’s drama, 'The Banshees Of Inisherin' for Searchlight Pictures. The movie is an Oscar favorite and has received 9 nominations at the Academy Awards. 

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Who was James Flynn? 

Trails of tributes are coming in from everyone who knew Flynn, worked with him, or simply watched magnificent movies that he created. Ed Guiney, who worked with Flynn on the 1998 film Sweety Barrett, praised his former colleague in an emotive tribute. “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,” he told The Irish Times.

'A huge loss to the industry'

Metropolitan Films, the creation of Flynn and his wife Juanita, paid tribute to the late producer with, "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.” 

“The Director’s Guild is deeply saddened by the passing of producer James Flynn, a huge loss to the industry and our thoughts are with his family,” shared the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland on Twitter.