Drew Struzan, Legendary Artist Behind Iconic Movie Posters, Dies at 78

Drew Struzan, the celebrated artist known for creating iconic posters for major movie franchises such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Harry Potter, and more, passed away at the age of 78 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Oregon in 1947, Struzan moved to Los Angeles to study at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He began his career designing album covers before gaining fame in 1978 with his poster for the re-release of the original Star Wars film. His work was known for its lush realism and vibrant colors that captured the imagination of moviegoers and brought a sense of adventure to the posters. Struzan collaborated closely with filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, designing posters for both blockbuster hits and cult classics such as Blade Runner and The Thing. His unique approach to poster art was about evoking feelings and inviting viewers to explore the story rather than giving everything away. Tributes have poured in from the creative community, including from DC Comics’ Jim Lee and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, highlighting Struzan’s impact and legacy in cinematic art. He is remembered as a genius artist and a beloved figure in the world of movie illustration.