Drew Struzan, the iconic artist renowned for creating some of the most memorable movie posters in cinematic history, including those for the Star Wars saga, Indiana Jones series, and Back to the Future trilogy, has died at the age of 78. According to a statement posted on Struzan’s official Instagram account, the artist passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
A Storied Career in Art and Design
Born on March 18, 1947, in Oregon City, Oregon, Struzan developed a passion for art early in life, which led him to study at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design in California. His career began in the music industry, where he designed album covers for prominent artists such as the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, and Black Sabbath. His distinctive style—marked by vibrant compositions, meticulous detail, and an ability to capture the essence of a story—quickly set him apart.
In the 1970s, Struzan co-founded Pencil Pushers, a company through which he began creating movie posters. His big break came when artist Charles White III enlisted his talents to design a poster for the theatrical re-release of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. This collaboration marked the beginning of Struzan’s long association with the Star Wars franchise, which would become a cornerstone of his legacy. His work on posters for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, and later The Force Awakens cemented his status as a defining figure in film marketing.
Struzan’s portfolio extended far beyond Star Wars. His artistry graced posters for beloved films such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and The Goonies. Each poster was a carefully crafted piece of storytelling, designed to evoke the tone and emotion of the film it represented. His ability to distill complex narratives into a single, striking image made him a sought-after talent in Hollywood.
In 2008, Struzan announced his retirement after completing the poster for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, his love for art brought him back for select projects, including a special poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and artwork for the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. His contributions continued to resonate with audiences and filmmakers alike.
A Legacy Celebrated in Drew: The Man Behind the Poster
Struzan’s remarkable career was the subject of a 2013 documentary, Drew: The Man Behind the Poster, directed by Erik Sharkley. The film offered an in-depth look at Struzan’s creative process and his impact on the film industry. Featuring interviews with prominent directors such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Guillermo del Toro, the documentary highlighted the collaborative relationships that shaped Struzan’s work. It also explored how his posters became cultural touchstones, adorning the walls of countless movie fans.
The documentary emphasized Struzan’s unique approach to poster design, which went beyond mere advertising. As actor Michael J. Fox noted in the film, Struzan’s posters were “the first notes of a piece” and “the beginning of the story.” Struzan himself viewed his work as storytelling, aiming to capture the heart of a film in a single image. Drew: The Man Behind the Poster is available for rent or purchase on Amazon and can be streamed for free on Kanopy, offering fans an opportunity to explore the legacy of this extraordinary artist.
Drew Struzan's Honors and Recognition
While movie posters are not typically recognized by major award bodies like the Academy Awards or Golden Globes, Struzan’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, a testament to his influence in the world of visual arts. Additionally, he received lifetime achievement awards from the Saturn Awards, the Comic Art Professional Society for his work in comics, and the ArtCenter College of Design Alumni, where he honed his craft.
Struzan’s work transcended the commercial realm, earning him widespread respect as one of the greatest poster artists of all time. His ability to evoke emotion and narrative through his art left an indelible mark on the film industry and popular culture. His posters remain iconic, serving as a visual bridge between audiences and the stories they love.
The news of Struzan’s passing was accompanied by a heartfelt message on his official Instagram account, which noted, “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.” This sentiment underscores the deep connection Struzan felt with his audience, whose admiration fueled his creative passion.
Source: Struzan’s official Instagram account.
