Drew Struzan’s Legendary Posters And The Women Who Shaped Them

Drew Struzan’s hand-painted posters are iconic not just for their airbrushed realism and vivid detail, but for the way they captured female characters as integral to the story. From heroines to love interests, Struzan brought women into the cinematic spotlight with the same care and presence he gave male leads. Here’s a look at some of his most notable works featuring women, based on his portfolio and recent tributes following his passing on October 13, 2025.

Star Wars Series

The Empire Strikes Back (1980 Special Edition) – Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) stands regal and determined alongside Luke and Han, her white gown cutting through the dark backdrop to emphasize her leadership in the Rebel Alliance.

Return of the Jedi (1983) – Leia appears in both her Boushh disguise and the iconic outfit from Jabba’s palace, her bravery and versatility central to the ensemble composition.

Indiana Jones Series

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) holds a torch beside Indiana, embodying adventurous independence against the Ark’s mysterious backdrop.

Temple of Doom (1984) – Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) is captured in a glamorous yet perilous pose, reflecting vulnerability mixed with resilience.

The Last Crusade (1989) – Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody) brings intrigue to the treasure-hunting narrative, her enigmatic presence paired with Indy and his father.

Back to the Future Series

Back to the Future (1985) – Lorraine McFly (Lea Thompson) in 1950s attire anchors the family and emotional stakes, with her charm blended into the DeLorean’s fiery trail.

Back to the Future Part II (1989) – An older Lorraine is portrayed in the chaotic futuristic 2015 setting, adding depth and emotional weight to the time-traveling adventure.

Other Memorable Posters

The Goonies (1985) – Andy (Kerri Green) and Stef (Martha Plimpton) add energy and boldness to the kids’ treasure hunt, highlighting teamwork and youthful daring.

Hook (1991) – Maggie (Amber Scott) brings innocence and warmth to the pirate-filled fantasy, complementing her brother and the adult Peter Pan.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) is captured as intelligent and brave, seamlessly integrated into the magical world of Hogwarts.

The Lost Boys (1987) – Star (Jami Gertz) balances romance and mystery within the vampire gang, her ethereal presence central to the poster’s allure.

Blade Runner (1982) – Rachael (Sean Young) embodies enigma and poise against a neon noir cityscape.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – While female characters are subtle, their presence is woven into the background, balancing the male-focused narrative.

The Artistic Approach

Struzan’s method involved close collaboration with directors and detailed actor references. His ensemble compositions ensured female characters were never sidelined; they were essential, whether as heroes, love interests, or key narrative drivers. As the Hollywood Reporter noted, Struzan’s talent lay in capturing a film’s essence through character focus, giving women equal prominence in his visual storytelling.

These posters, celebrated in recent online tributes, illustrate Struzan’s remarkable ability to immortalize female characters alongside male counterparts, preserving the stories and magic of cinema for generations to come.