This is about as pre-natal as you can get, in terms of fun movie news, but it’s nice to hear nonetheless. Word from Drew Struzan himself is that Disney has indeed already contacted him about illustrating posters for the new trilogy of Star Wars films, even as we await concrete news about a choice for director, cast, etc. etc.
The tidbit came from an interview with the artist in which he discussed his “retirement” being very much an in-name-only arrangement, and how he can’t seem to find time to actually be retired. He’s even pretty clear that his involvement is in no way a foregone conclusion.
“…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.”
That comes from Fanhattan (via AICN), as they discuss his recent work for Being Human, or some shit that no one cares about BECAUSESTARWARS.
All I know is that if shows like that and Walking Dead (Darabont connection nothwithstanding) can bring him out of retirement, a new trilogy of Star Wars films ought to be able to manage it as well. Still, the man has earned his right to diminish, and go into the west and remain Struzan, no?
We’ll see if this pans out, in a year or three.