Ray Chan, an art director and production designer for Marvel Studios, has passed away at the age of 56. Chan died near his home in Wales, with his family announcing the news without specifying a cause. Known for his work on significant Marvel cinematic projects such as Guardians of the Galaxy, the Avengers series, and the forthcoming Deadpool & Wolverine, Chan was a pivotal figure in shaping some of the most iconic visual landscapes in recent cinematic history.
His career was marked by a passionate commitment to visual storytelling, contributing to the grandeur and success of Marvel’s cinematic universe. Chan’s contributions extended beyond superhero films, touching the lives of many through his artistry and dedication to craft. His family described him as having “an exuberance for life” and noted that his “memory will live on through all those he knew and the films he helped make happen.”
Career and Contributions
Ray Chan’s impact on the film industry was profound. As a supervising art director, he worked on Thor: The Dark World, Doctor Strange, and several Avengers films, including Age of Ultron, Infinity War, and Endgame. He was also deeply involved in Spider-Man: Far From Home and recently served as the production designer for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. His upcoming project, Deadpool & Wolverine, is highly anticipated, with star Ryan Reynolds praising him as a “valuable creative force” and “peerless” in his field.
Shawn Levy, director of Deadpool & Wolverine, reflected on Chan’s influence not just within the films he worked on but also on those around him. Levy described Chan as “a beacon of a man,” whose kindness and inspiring nature were as impactful as his professional achievements. Chan’s ability to light up the world around him was acknowledged by many in the industry.
Legacy and Personal Life
Raymond Chan was born to Hong Kong immigrants in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and was the oldest of three children. He pursued a graphic design degree from the Liverpool School of Art and later advanced his skills at Kingston Art College. Beyond his film career, Chan was remembered for his love of cooking, cars, gardening, and musicals, with The Sound of Music being a personal favorite.
His work earned him multiple accolades, including excellence in production design awards from the Art Directors Guild for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and Endgame. These awards are a testament to his skill and vision in production design, which has left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Survived by his wife, Lindsay; sons, Caspar and Sebastian; and daughter-in-law, Danielle, Chan is remembered as a brilliant designer and a true artist whose contributions extended beyond the movie sets to touch the lives of all who knew him personally. His legacy in film and his personal passions reflect a life richly lived and passionately devoted to both art and family.