The British production designer and “creative core” of the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movies has passed away. Norman William Reynolds’ death was confirmed by Lucasfilm. He was 89 years old.
Reynolds Early Years
Reynolds was born on March 26, 1934, in Willesden, London, England. His career began in advertising. He also created illuminating signs. He became determined to be part of the film industry after touring multiple sets including the one for “The Road to Hong Kong” starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
His production design career started as a two-year-long apprenticeship at the old Elstree studios in Borehamwood, near London. This allowed him to add some of his creativity to some episodes of “The Saint.”
Reynolds’ big break into major films came when he served as the art director of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Furthermore, his innovative designs earned him an Academy Award, along with colleagues:
- Leslie Dilley.
- John Barry.
- And Roger Christian.
Creative Mind
His ability to manage large projects led him to being the production designer for “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” Reynolds’ work on that film earned him another Academy Award. Moreover, the carbon-freezing chamber where Han Solo was captured was one of his creations. So was Yoda’s home planet of Dagobah.
Additionally, Reynolds’ creative designs can also be seen in “Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Furthermore, he was the man behind the giant boulder that Indiana Jones runs from. People can see his creative ideas in:
- “Empire of the Sun.”
- “Alive.”
- “Young Sherlock Holmes.”
- And “Bicentennial Man.”
Steven Spielberg stated that Reynolds “possessed that rare combination of humility and utter genius.” The production designer’s has been incorporated into the look of Disney+’s series “The Mandalorian.”
He is survived by his wife, children, and various family and friends.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
BBC: Star Wars: Oscar-winning production designer Norman Reynolds dies
IMDb: Norman Reynolds
The Hollywood Reporter: Norman Reynolds, Winner of Art Direction Oscars for ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ Dies at 89
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Michael Levine-Clark‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mark Bonica‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
