US director found dead in JHB

David R Ellis, director of Snakes on a Plane, has been found dead in a hotel room in Johannesburg.

Ellis’ manager, David Gardner, confirmed the 60-year-old’s death on Monday, but declined to provide additional details. According to the Associated Press, no cause of death has been released.

Former stuntman Ellis was in Johannesburg working on Kite, a remake of the 1998 Japanese anime film that was to have starred Snakes on a Plane star Samuel L Jackson.

"So sad to hear of David R. Ellis passing!" Jackson tweeted. "So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He’ll be missed. Gone too soon!"

Ellis began his Hollywood career as an actor in the 1970s, before moving into stunts and directing. He worked on films such as Misery, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Waterworld, and directed films such as Shark Night 3D, The Final Destination, Cellular and Final Destination 2.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

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