Drew Struzan, Painter of Iconic Star Wars and Indiana Jones Posters, Passes Away
Entertainment news : The world of cinema has lost a true legend. Drew Struzan, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic movie posters in history, passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Struzan’s artwork has been etched in the minds of film enthusiasts for generations, capturing the essence of beloved franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and Back to the Future.
A Legacy in Posters
Struzan’s illustrious career spanned decades, with a portfolio that boasts over 150 movie posters, including cult classics like Blade Runner, The Thing, and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. His collaborations with visionary directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas resulted in some of the most recognizable movie posters ever created. The Star Wars “circus” poster design, which he co-designed for the 1978 re-release of the first film, has become an iconic representation of the franchise ¹.
Early Life and Career
Born on March 18, 1947, in Oregon City, Oregon, Struzan developed a passion for art at an early age. He pursued illustration at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and began his career designing album covers for renowned bands like the Bee Gees, Black Sabbath, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His big break came when Lucasfilm approached him to work on the Star Wars poster, kickstarting a successful partnership with the film industry ².
Tributes and Legacy
The news of Struzan’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the film industry and fans worldwide. “The world lost a genial man, a genius communicator and a supreme artist,” wrote filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Jim Lee, chief creative officer and publisher of DC Comics, praised Struzan’s work, saying it “captured the humanity, power and emotion of his subjects in ways not seen since” ³.
Struzan’s legacy extends beyond his artwork. He inspired generations of artists, filmmakers, and fans with his passion for cinema and his dedication to his craft. As Steven Spielberg once said, “I had to almost live up to the art that we later were going to ask Drew to create for the poster.” Struzan’s artwork continues to evoke a sense of wonder and adventure, reminding us of the magic of the movies ⁴.
Some of Drew Struzan’s Most Iconic Works:
- Movie Posters:
- Star Wars
- Indiana Jones
- Back to the Future
- Harry Potter
- Blade Runner
- The Thing
- Album Covers:
- Bee Gees
- Black Sabbath
- Earth, Wind & Fire
- Documentary:
- Drew: The Man Behind the Poster (2013), directed by Erik Sharkey
Struzan is survived by his wife, Dylan, and his son, Christian. His passing leaves a void in the world of cinema, but his artwork will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
Conclusion
Drew Struzan’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of cinema. His iconic posters have become an integral part of film history, capturing the essence of beloved franchises and inspiring generations of artists and fans. Struzan’s legacy will continue to live on through his artwork, reminding us of the magic and wonder of the movies.
Achievements:
- Over 150 movie posters designed for iconic films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and Back to the Future
- Collaborations with renowned directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas
- Inducted into the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame
- Featured in the documentary “Drew: The Man Behind the Poster” (2013)
- Inspired a new generation of artists, filmmakers, and fans with his passion for cinema and dedication to his craft
- Received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the film industry and illustration community
Struzan’s achievements serve as a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. His artwork will continue to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations to appreciate the art of movie poster design.
