The film industry mourns the loss of renowned poster artist Drew Struzan, who passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 78. His death was publicly announced on his official Instagram account, managed by his social media handler, Greg. Struzan was celebrated for his iconic artwork that adorned movie posters for blockbuster films, significantly shaping visual culture in cinema.
The announcement on October 14 included a heartfelt message from Greg, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday. 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.”
Tributes from Industry Giants
Following the news of Struzan’s passing, prominent filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro paid tribute to the artist, reflecting on his profound impact on the film industry. Spielberg remarked, “Drew made event art. His posters made many of our movies into destinations … and 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. In his own invented style, nobody drew like Drew,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Del Toro also shared his sentiments, stating on Bluesky, “The world lost a genial man, a genius communicator and a supreme artist. I lost a friend – beloved Drew.” Both directors highlighted Struzan’s unique ability to capture the essence of films through his artwork, making them unforgettable for audiences.
A Legacy of Iconic Artwork
Struzan leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having collaborated with numerous celebrated directors, including Spielberg and del Toro, on films such as Indiana Jones, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Hellboy. His extensive portfolio includes posters for classics like Back to the Future, Blade Runner, The Shawshank Redemption, Harry Potter, and The Thing.
In addition to his poster work, Struzan designed the original logo for Industrial Light & Magic, the renowned visual effects studio founded by George Lucas. Although he announced his retirement in 2008, Struzan returned to create artwork for several significant projects, including Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy.
Struzan’s influence on film marketing and visual storytelling will be felt for generations to come. His ability to evoke nostalgia and excitement through his art has left an indelible mark on both the film industry and its audiences.