The Story Behind the Original STAR WARS Poster

The Hildebrandt brothers are behind one of the most iconic movie posters of all time, they created the original poster for Star Wars that we've all come to know and love. This was the worlds first look at what George Lucas had in store for audiences, a film that would forever change cinema. Hildebrandt explains that they received international fame after they created the first Lord of the Rings calendar in 1976, and it led them to getting the Star Wars poster gig. Here's how it all went down:

Incredibly, the first version of it -- without the droids -- was created in a feverish, nonstop effort over just 36 hours! George Lucas asked for the droids to be added and for our signatures to be larger. We made those changes at the ad agency, and off it went!

36 hours!? They sure did a hell of a job on such a tight schedule. The original art for the poster can be seen below. This is what they sent to Lucas, they later added in the droids before they unleashed it on the world. 

Greg Hildebrandt will actually be in Santa Monica this coming Saturday at Every Picture Tells a Story. The gallery and shop that has become a true landmark in Southern California for sci-fi, fantasy and comics art. The gallery is hosting an exhibit of Hildebrandt's original art as well as his posters and prints. If you're around you should definitely check it out!