Drew Struzan, the revered artist behind some of the most iconic movie posters in cinematic history, including those for the "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and "Back to the Future" franchises, has died at the age of 78. The news was confirmed on his official Instagram account, with an official statement saying:
“It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday, October 13th. I feel it is important that you all know how many times he expressed to me the joy he felt knowing how much you appreciated his art. - Greg”
Struzan's death marks the end of an era for film art. His distinctive and epic style, a masterful blend of detailed portraiture and grand, sweeping compositions, captured the essence of adventure, wonder, and drama that defined a generation of blockbuster films. His posters were not mere advertisements but works of art that became as beloved and recognizable as the films themselves.
Over a prolific career spanning decades, Struzan created more than 150 movie posters. His celebrated works include the posters for "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "The Thing," "Blade Runner," "The Goonies," and the "Harry Potter" series. His artistry was so integral to the films he worked on that directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg repeatedly sought him out to create the visual identity for their most ambitious projects.
While he officially retired in 2008, Struzan's influence on poster design and illustration remains immeasurable. His work is remembered for its ability to tell a story in a single image, a skill that has become increasingly rare in an age of digital marketing. The announcement of his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and industry professionals, who remember him as a singular talent whose art was a gateway to the magic of the movies.