Legendary Movie Poster Artist Drew Struzan Dies: Remembering the Indiana Jones Poster Icon

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The Legacy of Drew Struzan: A Titan of Movie Poster Art

The entertainment world is in mourning following the passing of Drew Struzan, a monumental figure in movie poster art, known for his distinctive and evocative designs that graced the posters of some of Hollywood’s most cherished films. Struzan died on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the art of movie marketing.

Tributes from Hollywood Legends

 

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from industry giants who had the privilege of working with Struzan. Steven Spielberg, one of Struzan’s frequent collaborators, praised his unique ability to capture the essence of a film:

“He made event art. The memory of those movies and the age we were when we saw them always comes flashing back just by glancing at his iconic photorealistic imagery.”

Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro expressed his personal loss on the social media platform Bluesky:

“The world lost a genial man, a genius communicator and supreme artist. I lost a friend, beloved.”

Jim Lee, president of DC, also commemorated Struzan’s impact:

“A giant among giants” who “captured the humanity, power, and emotion of his subjects in ways not seen since.”

A Legendary Career in Movie Poster Art

Over his five-decade career, Struzan created more than 150 film posters that became synonymous with the films they represented. His work includes iconic posters for major franchises such as Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Harry Potter. These posters did more than merely advertise movies; they became integral parts of the films’ public identities and cultural impact.

Early Life and Artistic Journey

Born in Oregon in 1947, Struzan’s passion for art took him to California, where he attended the ArtCenter College of Design. Initially, he made ends meet by selling his artwork and taking on small commissions, including album covers for iconic musicians like the Bee Gees and Alice Cooper. His cover for Alice Cooper’s ‘Welcome to My Nightmare’ was later recognized by Rolling Stone as a classic of the modern era.

Breakthrough and Hollywood Collaboration

Struzan’s major breakthrough came in 1978 with his re-release poster for Star Wars. This project set the stage for a long-standing relationship with directors like Spielberg and George Lucas. His work spanned across various genres, including unforgettable imagery for E.T., Blade Runner, and The Shawshank Redemption.

Artistic Philosophy and Legacy

In a 2021 interview, Struzan shared insights into his artistic philosophy:

“I felt that art was more than just telling the story. In fact, telling the story in a poster is wrong for a movie. I wasn’t looking to tell a story. I’m looking to give a person a feeling about something they could hope for.”

Although he largely retired in 2008, Struzan returned for select projects, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. His life and contributions were highlighted in the 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster.

In March 2025, his wife Dylan disclosed that an illness had prevented him from continuing his painting, yet she emphasized that “Drew has left a strong legacy of love and joy in the form of his work.”

The film world remembers Drew Struzan as a true master who defined the visual language of modern cinema’s greatest adventures, capturing not just the look, but the spirit of countless cinematic tales.

 

Engage and Remember

We invite you to share your favorite Drew Struzan poster and the memories it evokes on social media. Did his art introduce you to a film, or does it bring back memories of watching it for the first time? Share your stories and tag someone who appreciates the magic of movies as much as you do.

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