Unfortunate news for the world of Star Wars. Special Effects designer Colin Cantwell, sadly passed away at the age of 90. Colin Cantwell is perhaps best known in the world of Star Wars for creating some of the earl designs for what would eventually become the X-Wing, the TIE-Fighter, the Imperial Star Destroyer and more.



His long time partner, Sierra Dall, spoke with the Hollywood Reporter confirming that he had past last Friday. Just before he passed she made a statement online, implying she knew he was going to pass soon.

“I have been so lucky to be able to spend 24 years with this amazing man. We have travelled the world together an made many wonderful friends. I will try to preserve his legacy as best I can.“



Cantwell was brought on by Lucas as he had previously worked on Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Lucas had him design a number of ships that would eventually become well known. Ships such as the X-Wing, the Y-Wing, the TIE-Fighter, the Imperial Star Destroyer, the Millennium Falcon, the Sandcrawler, the Landspeeder, the Skyhopper and even the Death Star.



After Star Wars Colin would later go on to work on Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

When Star Wars first released in May of 1977 it was an instant success. Becoming one of the highest grossing films of the time and was considered a cultural phenomenon. Having a great cast of characters, a variety of immersive worlds/settings and a deep and creative mythos. But one major factor that many people said was a highlight of the film were the special effects.

Nobody had seen model work of that kind before. ILM had to invent a number of new film techniques that hadn’t been seen on film before. Everyone involved with that process was just as important as the actors on screen. Without them Star Wars wouldn’t have been the spectacle it was.

Our deepest sympathies to Colin and his family. He will be missed.


Source: BBC News