Hollywood Bids Farewell to Drew Struzan, Legendary Movie Poster Artist at 78

Mumbai, 15 October 2025 — Drew Struzan, the iconic illustrator who visually defined an era of blockbuster cinema, has died at the age of 78. The news was confirmed via his official social media account yesterday. Struzan passed away on 13 October 2025, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

His detailed, hand-painted posters are considered classic works of art. They were synonymous with some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises for over four decades.

Drew Struzan Key Details and Career Highlights

Struzan’s artwork was a major part of the movie-going experience. He had a distinct style featuring photorealistic portraits and rich, dynamic compositions.

This style captured the emotional core and adventurous spirit of a film. His death marks the end of an era in film advertising. Digital art later replaced this traditional, intricate illustration style.

Defining the Blockbuster Look

The artist’s career took off in the 1970s. His big break came with the design for the 1978 re-release of Star Wars. This poster set a new standard for blockbuster art. It established his signature style of layered characters and vibrant colours. His posters were often the first glimpse audiences had of a movie.

Struzan’s collaboration with two major filmmakers became legendary. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg consistently sought his talent. He became their go-to artist. His work for their films became instantly recognisable cultural touchstones worldwide. His impressive body of work includes posters for over 150 films.

Drew Struzan Notable Film Posters

The list of films he designed posters for is a roll call of cinematic history. It includes some of the biggest global franchises and cult classics.

• Star Wars (Original and Prequel Trilogies)
• Indiana Jones (All four original films)
• Back to the Future (Trilogy)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
• The Goonies
• Blade Runner
• The Thing
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• The Shawshank Redemption

Reactions from Hollywood Legends

Tributes have poured in from major filmmakers and industry figures. They highlighted Struzan’s unique ability to elevate film advertising to fine art. Both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg shared heartfelt statements.

Lucas and Spielberg Honour Struzan

Filmmaker George Lucas praised his long-time collaborator. He noted Struzan’s incredible talent.

Lucas called him “an artist of the highest order.” He added that Struzan’s illustrations “fully captured the excitement, tone, and spirit of each of my films.” Lucas felt the single illustrated image opened up a world full of life and vivid colour.

Steven Spielberg also shared deep respect for the late artist. He said Struzan created much more than just advertisements.

Spielberg remarked, “Drew made event art. His posters made many of our movies into destinations.” He also noted that the memory of those movies always flashes back. This happens simply by glancing at Struzan’s “iconic photorealistic imagery.”

Other industry figures also paid tribute. Director Guillermo del Toro described him as “a genial man, a genius communicator and supreme artist.” DC Comics President Jim Lee hailed Struzan as a “giant among giants.”

The End of an Era

Drew Struzan officially retired in 2008. His final major work was for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, his passion occasionally drew him back. He later did work for films like The Dark Tower and How to Train Your Dragon.

His creative process relied on traditional methods. He used paint, pencil, and airbrush to create his detailed pieces. His artwork stood out sharply from the increasingly common digital graphics. Fans often credit him with preserving the romantic, emotional element of hand-painted movie posters.

Illness and Personal Life

The announcement of his death included a personal note. His family revealed that Struzan had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Earlier this year, his wife, Dylan Struzan, shared that the illness had advanced significantly. It had reached a point where he could no longer paint. The statement noted that Struzan often expressed his joy. He was happy knowing how much people around the world appreciated his art. He leaves behind his wife and his son, Christian.

Facts & Figures

• Age at Passing: 78 years old.
• Date of Passing: 13 October 2025.
• Total Posters: Designed artwork for over 150 feature films.
• Career Span: Over five decades (from the 1970s to 2019).
• Documentary Film: His life and work were featured in the 2013 documentary, Drew: The Man Behind the Poster.

You May Wanna Know

• Documentary: The 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster is available to stream on various platforms globally.
• Art Style: Struzan was known for mixing acrylic paints and coloured pencils to achieve a unique photorealistic look on illustration board.

FAQs

Q. What caused Drew Struzan’s death?
A. Drew Struzan died at age 78 after battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.

Q. Which famous movie posters did Drew Struzan design?
A. He designed posters for major franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Harry Potter, and films like The Goonies and Blade Runner.

Q. What was Drew Struzan’s signature artistic style?
A. His style was characterised by highly detailed, photorealistic, hand-painted artwork, featuring complex compositions and layered portraits of the main characters.

Source: Official family statement; filmmaker tributes; industry reports; documentary details.