Norman Reynolds, the two-time Oscar-winning production and art designer for Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, has passed away at the age of 89. Reynolds was responsible for sculpting the iconic golden idol that Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones attempts to steal during the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. He received his first Oscar for the production design of Star Wars in 1977 and his second for Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. Reynolds was also the production designer for the initial sequels of Star Wars. He worked as an art director on Superman II, Superman, and Lucky Lady. Reynolds was known for his ability to think from a director’s point of view and translate conceptual designs into fully-constructed sets on a soundstage or a remote location.
Reynolds’ contributions to the franchises have inspired generations of film designers and have spread from movies and series to video games, immersive entertainment, and theme park experiences. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said that Reynolds was an exceptional person to work with, and his contributions helped set the standard for the look of these beloved stories. Steven Spielberg, who first collaborated with Reynolds on Raiders of the Lost Ark, said that Norman was always smiling with enthusiasm, and there was nothing he couldn’t make work.
Reynolds’ family said that he was a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, granddad, and great grandad. They added that he was an enormously talented production designer who brought many of the films we all love to life through his iconic set designs. Reynolds was amazed at the fanbase his work created and how much his work meant to them. But above all, he loved and delighted in his large and growing family.
Norman Reynolds’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of film designers, and his contributions to the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises will always be remembered.
Keywords: Norman Reynolds, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, production designer, art director, Raiders of the Lost Ark, iconic golden idol, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, film designers.