The recent passing of Ray Chan, a longtime production designer known for his work on Marvel blockbusters such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has left a significant void in the film industry. His contribution to the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film was praised by the film’s producer and star, Ryan Reynolds, who described Chan as a valuable creative force in the project. Chan’s ability to build worlds from scratch in a collaborative and inclusive manner set him apart as a peerless talent in the industry.
Chan’s impact extended beyond just his work on Marvel films. He collaborated with a diverse range of directors on films such as National Treasure, Nanny McPhee, and Children of Men. His attention to detail and creative vision earned him recognition in the form of an Art Director’s Guild Award, which he won in 2015 and 2020. His colleagues at Marvel Studios, including Kevin Feige and Louis D’Esposito, remember him as a talented collaborator who brought out the best in every department he worked with.
The loss of Ray Chan has been deeply felt by those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His friendliness, generosity, and ability to turn a seed of an idea into something beautiful left a lasting impact on his colleagues. The film community will never again witness the unique blend of skill, surprise, and talent that Chan brought to his work. His passing has left a void that words cannot adequately express.
As the film industry mourns the loss of Ray Chan, his legacy lives on through the worlds he created on screen and the relationships he forged off screen. His ability to make magic and his indelible humanity touched the lives of many, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever. Chan’s family, including his wife Lindsay and his children Caspar and Sebastian, will carry on his memory and the impact he made in the industry.