One of the most powerful tools for selling a movie is, naturally, the poster. A preliminary representation of the journey being offered on the silver screen, many of the fall 2025 movies we’re looking forward to have examples of why this artform is so effective. But if you really want to study masterpieces in this genre, you’d need to look at artist Drew Struzan’s work as a cornerstone example of modern cinematic art.

It’s that legacy we’re here to remember, as the man behind one-sheets for Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Muppet Movie, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone has died at age 78. Confirmed by his brother Greg on Instagram, the artist’s passing came after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease this past March. Honoring Drew Struzan’s legacy while breaking the news, here is that very announcement made today: 

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.

To say that Mr. Struzan’s work is legendary short sells his talents. Starting as an album cover artist in the ‘70s, his images graced the works of everyone from Tony Orlando and Dawn to The Beach Boys. What is perhaps one of his first iconic creations came from this period as well, as his art for Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare record in 1975 is still regarded as a work of art. 

Star Wars Opened The Door For Drew Struzan’s Cinematic Masterpieces

Drew Struzan’s big break came just two years later, thanks to being drafted into helping with a re-release poster for a little film called Star Wars. After that, he became a go to artist for the likes of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, contributing many pieces of art to blockbuster franchises like Indiana Jones, as well as even more adventures in that galaxy far, far away. 

You can see some of those in the trailer for the documentary Drew: The Man Behind The Poster, which is included below: 

2007’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull would be Struzan’s final theatrical marketing campaign, before retiring in 2008. Save for some post-retirement gigs creating art for collabs and select films, the massively talented artist focused on family – with his official Wikipedia stating that he was spending “much of his time caring for his grandchildren.”

Which brings us back to the fact that while the works of Drew Struzan were always heartstoppingly brilliant, he was a human just like the rest of us. He may no longer be among the living, but movie lovers for generations will always be able to feel his influence when they see his art. We here at That Hashtag Show would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Struzan, as they navigate this difficult time of grief and remembrance. 

RIP.