Legendary poster artist Drew Struzan dies at 78: A look back at his timeless movie arts

Drew Struzan, the legendary illustrator responsible for some of the most iconic movie posters in Hollywood history, passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78. His death was announced via his official Instagram account by his brother Greg Struzan, who wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world… He expressed the joy he felt knowing how much you appreciated his art.” Fans, fellow artists, and Hollywood figures have been paying tribute to the visionary artist whose work shaped generations of filmgoers.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Born in Oregon City, Oregon, in 1947, Struzan showed artistic talent early in life. He enrolled at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, funding his studies with small art commissions. Mentored by artist Ernie Cefalu, Struzan honed his style and composition skills.

He began his career creating album covers for artists like The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Alice Cooper, including the iconic Welcome to My Nightmare cover. These early works showcased his ability to blend realism, emotion, and narrative, a skill that would later define his cinematic posters.

Breakthrough with Star Wars and Indiana Jones

Struzan’s big break in film came in 1978 when he helped design the re-release poster for Star Wars, painting human characters while Charles White III handled mechanical details. This collaboration marked the start of Struzan’s long-lasting partnership with Hollywood blockbusters.

He went on to create posters for the Indiana Jones franchise, including Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, capturing the adventurous spirit of the films while emphasizing character drama. These works are considered some of his finest achievements and remain highly collectible.

Highlighting Best Works: Back to the Future, Blade Runner, and More

Among Struzan’s most celebrated works is the Back to the Future poster series, which perfectly captured the excitement, energy, and imagination of the films. His poster for Blade Runner blended dystopian sci-fi elements with striking human emotion, showcasing his mastery of color and composition.

Check out a collection of his works HERE.

Other standout works include posters for The Goonies, Coming to America, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, and The Shawshank Redemption. Struzan’s ability to evoke emotion, narrative, and spectacle elevated each poster beyond mere marketing into collectible art.

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Collaboration with Hollywood Legends

Struzan’s close work with directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas defined an era of Hollywood illustration. His posters for ET, Hook, and Temple of Doom captured both the whimsy and drama of the films. He was known for his open-ended compositions, designed to give viewers a feeling of hope, curiosity, or excitement without revealing the story in full.

“I’m looking to give a person a feeling about something they could hope for… I design a composition that is open-ended,” Struzan said in a 2021 interview, reflecting the philosophy behind his most memorable works.

Later Career and Retirement

Although he retired in 2008, Struzan returned for special projects including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. The 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster explored his life, featuring interviews with collaborators such as Harrison Ford and Spielberg.

In 2025, his wife revealed that Struzan had been battling Alzheimer’s disease, limiting his ability to create new works. Despite this, his legacy continues to influence illustrators, filmmakers, and fans worldwide.

Legacy and Influence on Pop Culture

Struzan’s posters turned movie promotion into a form of art, leaving a lasting mark on both cinema and illustration. His meticulous detail, color mastery, and ability to capture emotion made each piece a visual icon. Industry figures like DC Comics’ Jim Lee called him “a giant among giants,” celebrating the humanity, power, and emotion his art conveyed.

Even decades later, Struzan’s work remains synonymous with cinematic storytelling, inspiring generations of artists and delighting fans around the globe.

FAQ: Drew Struzan

Q1: Who was Drew Struzan?

A1: Drew Struzan was a renowned American illustrator and poster artist, known for iconic movie posters including Star Wars, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and ET: The Extra-Terrestrial.

Q2: What are Drew Struzan’s most famous works?

A2: His most celebrated posters include Star Wars, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Blade Runner, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, The Goonies, and The Shawshank Redemption.

Q3: When did Drew Struzan die?

A3: Drew Struzan passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 78.

Q4: What was Drew Struzan’s artistic style?

A4: Struzan’s signature style combined oil painting, dynamic composition, vivid colors, and emotional depth, creating posters that captured cinematic storytelling without revealing the full plot.

Q5: Did Drew Struzan work with famous directors?

A5: Yes, he collaborated with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas on films including ET, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future, producing some of the most iconic posters in cinema history.

Q6: Did Drew Struzan design album covers?

A6: Yes, he designed covers for The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Alice Cooper, including the celebrated Welcome to My Nightmare.

Q7: Was there a documentary about Drew Struzan?

A7: Yes, the 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster explores his life, work, and influence on pop culture.

Q8: What is Drew Struzan’s legacy?

A8: He elevated movie posters into collectible art, influencing pop culture, film marketing, and illustration worldwide.

Q9: Did Drew Struzan have health issues?

A9: Yes, in 2025 it was revealed that he was battling Alzheimer’s disease, which limited his ability to create new art.

Q10: How can I view Drew Struzan’s artwork?

A10: His posters are widely collected, displayed in galleries, museums, and art books, and can also be found online through official websites and exhibitions.