Explore Drew Struzan’s 20 Most Iconic Movie Posters from Star Wars to Shawshank Raiders and Risky Business

Drew Struzan, who passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 78, was a renowned American artist with a significant impact on film marketing. He became known as Hollywood’s premier movie poster designer over the past five decades. Struzan began his career creating album covers for iconic rock bands like Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath.

His breakout moment came in 1975 with the poster for “The Black Bird,” a comedy starring George Segal. Struzan’s style evolved, leading him to create unique posters that would captivate audiences worldwide.

Drew Struzan’s Ascendancy in Hollywood

In 1977, Struzan’s career took a dramatic turn when he was called to update the posters for the rerelease of “Star Wars.” The original artist, Charles White III, sought Struzan’s talent to portray the film’s iconic characters. Together, they designed what is known as the “Circus” poster, which cemented Struzan’s reputation.

George Lucas praised Struzan for his ability to capture and enhance the characters beyond mere photography. This praise opened numerous doors for Struzan, leading to significant projects with notable directors and studios.

Major Collaborations and Iconic Posters

• The Muppet Movie (1979) – Created a whimsical and memorable poster for Jim Henson’s film.
• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – This poster became a hallmark of adventure film marketing.
• Risky Business (1983) – Struzan captured the essence of the film in his iconic artwork.
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – His original design still resonates today, with a re-release in 2019.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – Defined the visual identity for the entire franchise.

Struzan’s work spanned classic films and modern franchises, illustrating for “Indiana Jones,” “Back to the Future,” and all three “Star Wars” prequels. His contributions profoundly shaped cinematic marketing and resonated across generations.

The Iconic Posters of Drew Struzan

Struzan’s impressive portfolio includes many iconic movie posters. Here are 20 noteworthy designs:

Struzan’s legacy remains as an artist who captured the essence of cinema through his unique visual storytelling. His posters invite viewers into fantastical worlds and hold strong emotional connections, ensuring his place in the annals of film history.