7 November 2025<\/time>\n <\/p>\nDirector Lee Tamahori has died aged 75. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Director Lee Tamahori has died aged 75<\/p>\n
The celebrated New Zealand filmmaker is best known for helming the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, but his work also spanned gritty homegrown drama as well as Hollywood spectacle.<\/p>\n
His family confirmed he died peacefully at home after living with Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
In a statement, they said: \u201cHis legacy endures with his wh\u0101nau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke, and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart. A charismatic leader and fierce creative spirit, Lee championed M\u0101ori talent both on and off screen. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe ultimately returned home to tell stories grounded in whakapapa and identity, with Mahana and his latest film The Convert, reaffirming his deep connection to Aotearoa. We\u2019ve lost an immense creative spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLee\u2019s 007 film was the 20th in the spy franchise and starred Pierce Brosnan, then 49, in his final appearance as the secret Singer Madonna, then 44, performed the movie\u2019s theme song and made a cameo appearance ion the film. <\/p>\n
\nDespite mixed reviews and ongoing debate among Bond fans, the film grossed $432 million worldwide, becoming the sixth highest-grossing film of that year.<\/p>\n
\nLee gained international acclaim with his debut feature Once Were Warriors (1994), an unflinching portrayal of M\u0101ori family life based on Alan Duff\u2019s novel. <\/p>\n
\nThe film became a landmark in New Zealand cinema, winning multiple awards including Best Director at the New Zealand Film Awards, and was widely praised for its powerful storytelling and performances.<\/p>\n
\nBeyond Bond, Lee\u2019s career in Hollywood included directing Along Came a Spider (2001), starring Morgan Freeman and Jay O. Sanders. <\/p>\n
\nHe later returned to New Zealand to direct The Convert (2023), featuring Guy Pearce, a historical drama set in colonial Aotearoa. <\/p>\n
\nHis final project, the forthcoming action epic Emperor, stars Adrien Brody, Sophie Cookson and Paz Vega, and tells the story of Johanna of Ghent\u2019s revenge against the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.<\/p>\n
\nTributes poured in across social media after news of Lee\u2019s death broke.<\/p>\n
\nMakers of the Really, 007! podcast wrote on X: \u201cSuch sad news \u2013 a unique and visionary director with a strong body of work. \u201c#DieAnotherDay divides opinion amongst Bond fans but is so much fun and is having a renaissance. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOne fan posted: \u201cSaddened to see Lee Tamahori has passed away at 75. He gave us the insanely entertaining ride that is Die Another Day, and we\u2019ll always have that. RIP Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAnother added: \u201cRIP Lee Tamahori. Once Were Warriors \u2013 one of the most important movies in NZ history.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor, film producer, and activist. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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