What do the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, the ‘Indiana Jones’ trilogy, ‘Blade Runner’, and both ‘Star Wars’ trilogies have in common? Besides being awesome, they all have amazing posters created by legendary poster artist Drew Struzan. Though he officially retired back in the summer of 2012, the artist who also contributed his work to ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’, ‘The Goonies’, ‘The Walking Dead’, and, my personal favorite, ‘Mallrats’ continued to produce some new works for Mondo, the poster boutique for the Alamo Drafthouse, and recently he created a poster for the US version of ‘Being Human’. Now, according to a new report, he may return to creating posters for ‘Star Wars’ once again.
In a recent interview with Fanhattan, the artist revealed that Disney, who has recently acquired Lucasfilm officially, has contacted him about doing more ‘Star Wars’ pieces in the future. As anyone would guess, it is most likely starting with ‘Episode VII’ coming in 2015. Here’s his quote from the interview:
“I got a couple calls already this week on Star Wars from Disney. Oh my god, I’m trying to be retired! You know, I spent 35 years painting ‘Star Wars’. [laughs] I painted ‘Star Wars’ before most of you were born! But I guess there is always a chance. There’s no intention. But I would love to have a day off every now and again, and I have to work a weekend and all through the night. If the opportunity arises, it will be a real temptation. But it’s going to have to be a real temptation to get me away from my wife and my little grandkids and my family. Away from the green trees and the blue skies for a change instead of just locked in the studio. But, you know, never say never. All things are possible.”
Though it’s not a guarantee that Struzan will actually sign up to do more ‘Star Wars’ posters, it sure sounds like he would be up for the job. And it’s really great that Disney reached out to him because that shows that they’re committed to bringing the fans an authentic ‘Star Wars’ experience despite not being under the absolute guidance of George Lucas, even right down to the posters. Now I wonder if Disney put in any calls to John Williams yet…
What do you think about getting more classic Drew Struzan posters for the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ trilogy from Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments below, along with your favorite Struzan poster! If you’re having trouble, here’s a gallery of some of the artist’s work:
(UPDATED by the Editor):
Artist Drew Struzan is claiming the statements were “misunderstood”
“A couple of friends at Disney were fantasizing about the new STAR WARS movies.
“Disney” has said nothing to me and I expect nothing. That a couple of friends were wishing is only an expression of the hope that many are sharing but says nothing regarding the Studio itself. Even if ‘they’ did ask, which Disney has not, I’d rather leave the new films to the next generation to interpret. I’ve had my time and they were exceptional blessings for which I will forever be grateful.”
