Following the passing of celebrated poster artist Drew Struzan on October 13, Guillermo del Toro and Steven Spielberg offered heartfelt tributes to the creative visionary whose work defined movie marketing. The official announcement was made the day after through Struzan’s Instagram account, confirming the loss of an artist whose contributions spanned decades and iconic films, making this a moment of reflection for filmmakers and fans alike.
Remembering Drew Struzan’s Impact on Film Art
On October 14, Drew Struzan’s social media manager shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, revealing the artist’s death and celebrating his legacy. Accompanied by a striking piece of Struzan’s artwork, the post expressed how much Struzan cherished the appreciation shown by his followers during his life.
It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Drew Struzan has moved on from this world as of yesterday, October 13th. 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. – Greg, IG manager.
Struzan had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years before his death, which many consider a profound loss to the artistic and cinematic communities.
Renowned Directors Pay Tribute to a Cinematic Legend
In the wake of this news, Steven Spielberg and Guillermo del Toro publicly acknowledged Struzan’s extraordinary influence. Spielberg highlighted how Struzan’s visuals transformed movie posters into immersive experiences that evoke powerful memories tied to the films themselves.
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.
– Steven Spielberg
Del Toro expressed his deep personal grief and respect for Struzan, calling him not only a brilliant artist but also a beloved friend.
The world lost a genial man, a genius communicator and a supreme artist. I lost a friend – beloved Drew.
– Guillermo del Toro
Drew Struzan’s Legendary Career and Lasting Influence
Drew Struzan is best known for his remarkable collaborations with filmmaking legends such as Spielberg and del Toro. His posters graced titles including Indiana Jones, Hellboy, and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, helping to define the visual identity of these classics. Beyond these films, Struzan crafted iconic images for Back to the Future, Blade Runner, Harry Potter, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Thing.
Struzan’s creativity extended beyond posters; he designed the original logo for Industrial Light & Magic, the groundbreaking visual effects company founded by George Lucas. Although he retired in 2008, he returned several times to create posters for major projects such as Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy.
Enduring Legacy in the World of Film and Art
Drew Struzan’s art continues to resonate, captivating audiences and inspiring artists around the world. His ability to blend photorealistic imagery with imagination produced some of cinema’s most memorable promotional art, reinforcing the emotional connection between viewers and the films they love. As Guillermo del Toro’s tribute demonstrates, Struzan’s legacy is not only in his artwork but also in the friendships and respect he earned throughout his life.
