'Snakes on a Plane' Director David R. Ellis Dies in South Africa

David R. Ellis, a former stuntman turned director, has died in South Africa at the age of 60 of unknown causes. Ellis is best known for “Snakes on a Plane,” the 2006 film featuring Samuel L. Jackson and a cabin full of unwanted passengers.

Ellis was in South Africa preparing to direct the film KITE. The director’s live-action adaptation of the 1998 Japanese anime was set to reunite Ellis with his Snakes star Samuel L. Jackson. Born in Los Angeles on September 10, 1952, Ellis started out in Hollywood as an actor and then stuntman and stunt coordinator.