Who is Max Landis? All About the American Filmmaker

Max Landis is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in film, television, and comic books. He gained recognition for writing movies like Chronicle and Bright but has also been surrounded by controversy due to sexual assault allegations. This article explores his career, personal life, and net worth in detail.
Quick Bio
Full Name | Max Landis |
---|---|
Birthdate | August 3, 1985 (39 years old) |
Birthplace | Beverly Hills, California, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Producer, Actor |
Famous For | Chronicle, Bright, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency |
Father | John Landis (Director) |
Mother | Deborah Nadoolman (Costume Designer) |
Net Worth | $6 Million |
Controversies | Sexual Assault Allegations |
What Is Max Landis’s Net Worth?
Max Landis has an estimated net worth of $6 million. His fortune comes primarily from his work as a screenwriter, producer, and actor. He earned significant paychecks for films like Chronicle and Bright, and his involvement in television and comic books has also contributed to his wealth. However, his career took a hit following the sexual misconduct allegations, which led to his projects being canceled.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 3, 1985, in Beverly Hills, California, Max Landis grew up in a Hollywood household. His father, John Landis, is a legendary filmmaker known for directing Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and An American Werewolf in London. His mother, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, is a well-known costume designer.
He attended Beverly Hills High School but was frequently bullied, which he later claimed influenced his writing style. After high school, he briefly attended the University of Miami but dropped out to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Career Beginnings
Max Landis started his career by writing short films and working on scripts. He gained early recognition for co-writing episodes of the TV show Masters of Horror, directed by his father. However, his real breakthrough came when he wrote the screenplay for Chronicle (2012), a found-footage superhero film that became a surprise hit.
Film Career

Landis quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about screenwriters. Some of his notable works include:
- Chronicle (2012) – A found-footage superhero film that earned over $126 million worldwide on a $12 million budget.
- American Ultra (2015) – A dark action-comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart.
- Victor Frankenstein (2015) – A fresh take on the classic Frankenstein story, starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe.
- Bright (2017) – A Netflix fantasy-action film starring Will Smith, reportedly earning Landis $3 million for the script.
Despite some commercial success, Landis’s later films, like American Ultra and Victor Frankenstein, failed at the box office, leading to criticism of his storytelling.
Television Career

Landis transitioned into television with Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016-2017), a sci-fi comedy based on the novels by Douglas Adams. The show was praised for its unique storytelling but was canceled after two seasons.
His other TV projects, including an adaptation of An American Werewolf in London, were canceled following sexual misconduct allegations.
Comic Books
In addition to screenwriting, Landis has written several comic books, including:
- Superman: American Alien – A reimagining of Superman’s early years, which became a fan favorite.
- Green Valley – A fantasy comic series published by Image Comics.
His work in comics was well-received, but his reputation in Hollywood overshadowed his contributions to the industry.
Age and Physical Appearance
At 39 years old, Max Landis has a distinctive look, often seen with colorful hair and eccentric outfits. He stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall and has a slim build.
Personal Life and Relationships

Max Landis has been linked to multiple relationships over the years, but he keeps his personal life relatively private. His most well-known relationship was with actress Whitney Moore, who later accused him of abusive behavior.
Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2019, multiple women, including former partners and colleagues, accused Landis of sexual misconduct and emotional abuse. The allegations led to his projects being canceled or shelved, and he has since remained largely out of the public eye.
Although he denied some of the allegations, his Hollywood career has never fully recovered.
Conclusion
Max Landis is a controversial figure in Hollywood, known for his unique storytelling and troubled reputation. While his career started with promise, allegations of misconduct have overshadowed his achievements. Whether he will make a comeback remains uncertain, but his work in film, TV, and comics has left a lasting impact.
FAQs
What is Max Landis known for?
Max Landis is known for writing films like Chronicle and Bright, as well as his work in television and comic books.
What is Max Landis’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $6 million, primarily from his screenwriting and filmmaking career.
Who are Max Landis’s parents?
He is the son of John Landis, a famous filmmaker, and Deborah Nadoolman, a renowned costume designer.
Why is Max Landis controversial?
He faced multiple sexual misconduct and abuse allegations, which severely impacted his career in Hollywood.
Is Max Landis still making movies?
Since the allegations, he has remained out of the public eye, and most of his projects have been canceled or shelved.
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