Cinema comes in all forms. From huge hits like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan to those who enjoy the independent movie scene like Albert Pyun.
Albert Pyun was a niche filmmaker who had a variety of cult favorites such as The Sword and the Sorcerer, Cyborg, and even the 1989 Captain America. Per Deadline, he died Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 69.
Sadly, he had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and dementia several years ago. His wife, producer Cynthia Curnan had shared updates over the years about his condition. When she realized that his health was in decline, she urged fans to send out personal messages to him.
She then confirmed his passing on Facebook stating, "I sat with him for his last breath that sounded like he was releasing the weight of the world.”
Albert Pyun's Life
Born May 19, 1953, in Hawaii, Pyun was a "military brat" growing up all over the world. Finally, his family returned to Hawaii where he became inspired by filmmaking by his upbringing around the world.
He began to make short films and in high school, he was approached by Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune who was impressed with one of Pyun's short films. Pyun was then given the opportunity to be an intern for Akira Kurosawa's film Dersu Uzala. The film did not go through as Pyun expected and instead worked on Mifune's television show. Pyun returned to Hawaii where he edited a variety of commercials. Several years later, he moved to Los Angeles to become a film director.
Pyun released his first film, which ended up being his highest-grossing film The Sword and the Sorcerer in 1982. With a $4 million budget, it raked in $40 million at the box office. In the 90s, he directed over 20 films including the first feature-length movie for the Marvel character Captain America.
As his life went on, he started to self-fund his projects and produced his own films such as "Road to Hell" and "Invasion". He would continue to develop and tinker with ideas while going through his medical condition.
According to his wife, he was working on two movies that he was planning to turn into a television series. He was survived by his wife and had no children.
Despite being on the B-Movie scene, he was a cult filmmaker who worked with many legends like Burt Reynolds, Ice-T, Rutger Hauer, Snoop Dogg, and Dennis Hopper. Rest in peace.