Veteran Producer Moritz Borman Dies at 71 in Munich

Moritz Borman, a German-born film producer, died on July 1, 2026 in Munich while working on an untitled John Lee Hancock project for Netflix. His longtime partners Eric Kopeloff and Philip Schulz-Deyle said the cause was apparent natural causes. He was 71.

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Borman began as a television director in Germany, then moved to Los Angeles and attended the American Film Institute. His first Hollywood credit was producing John Huston’s 1984 drama *Under the Volcano*. Over three decades he produced or executive-produced more than 35 films, including Oliver Stone’s *Snowden* and *World Trade Center*, the *Terminator* sequels, *The Crow: Salvation* and *Basic Instinct 2*. In 1997 he founded Pacifica Pictures, which released *Where the Money Is*, *The Quiet American* and *Nurse Betty* before merging with Intermedia Films.

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Borman’s frequent collaborators included Eric Kopeloff and Philip Schulz-Deyle, with whom he was developing Hancock’s Monsanto-themed Netflix film. Other partners were director Oliver Stone, director John Lee Hancock, and studios Intermedia Films and Netflix. His productions featured actors Renée Zellweger, Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock and Greg Kinnear.

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• 1955 – Birth.

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• 1984 – Produced *Under the Volcano*.

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• 1997 – Founded Pacifica Pictures; *Nurse Betty* premiered at Cannes in 2000.

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• 2009 – Sued over *Terminator: Salvation* fees; settled out of court.

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• July 1, 2026 – Died in Munich during production.

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Borman’s filmography spans dozens of titles across genres, from action (*Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines*) to drama (*The Life of David Gale*) and family animation (*Playmobil: The Movie*). His credits exceed 35 feature films, showing a mix of commercial and critical projects.

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Industry observers credit Borman with building “creative and financial bridges between Europe and Hollywood,” enabling co-production models that expanded independent financing. His support for both studio blockbusters and auteur projects diversified the mid-budget cinema market.

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Kopeloff and Schulz-Deyle told *Deadline* that Borman was a producer and entrepreneur who shaped independent filmmaking, noting his generosity, optimism, integrity and passion for cinema. They offered condolences and said Netflix production will continue under their supervision.

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In 2009 Borman sued producers Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek over unpaid fees for *Terminator: Salvation*. The case settled quickly out of court, illustrating occasional financial tensions in collaborations.

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• “As both a producer and entrepreneur, Moritz helped shape the landscape of independent filmmaking, building creative and financial bridges between Europe and Hollywood,” — Eric Kopeloff & Philip Schulz-Deyle

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• “He will be remembered not only for his achievements, but also for his generosity, optimism, integrity, and unwavering passion for cinema.” — Eric Kopeloff & Philip Schulz-Deyle

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The untitled Monsanto project, slated for Netflix, will proceed with Kopeloff and Schulz-Deyle overseeing post-production, ensuring that Borman’s involvement is honored while the film moves toward completion.

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