A revered figure in the world of movie poster art, Roger Kastel, known for crafting the iconic poster for Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ and equally memorable artwork for ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ has passed away at 91.

Kastel’s legendary ‘Jaws’ artwork, originally intended for Peter Benchley’s novel cover, was later acquired by Universal and became the defining image for Spielberg’s film. The gripping oil painting, characterized by its colossal and realistic portrayal of the shark, became an enduring symbol, gracing bookshelves and luring audiences to cinemas worldwide.

In the documentary ‘The Shark Is Still Working,’ Kastel recalled his creative process, mentioning how he transformed a rough sketch into the chilling masterpiece by magnifying the shark’s size as requested by the publisher.

His ‘Jaws’ creation remains an emblem of pop culture, serving as a cornerstone of Universal’s merchandise and the enduring legacy of the ‘Jaws’ brand.

Kastel’s biography on his official website highlights his remarkable journey from his early days at the Arts Students League in Manhattan, his service in the Navy during the Korean War, to his flourishing career as a sought-after illustrator for major publishing houses in New York.

Drew Struzan, another luminary in the realm of movie poster art, mourned Kastel’s passing on Twitter, recognizing his contributions and urging appreciation for living creatives in the wake of this loss.