Legendary Sci-Fi conceptual artist, designer, and Self-proclaimed ‘Visual Futurist’ Syd Mead has passed away at age 86. Complications from his three-year battle with lymphoma is being reported as the cause.
Syd Mead is well known among our community for his work on ‘Aliens,’ where he developed the designs for the Sulaco spaceship exterior and interior, as well as concepts for the cryosleep pods, dropship, and APC.
Concept Artwork for the ‘Sulaco’ Spaceship from Aliens. By Syd Mead.
His contributions to film are many, including other Sci-fi titles such as Blade Runner, Tron, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Elysium, and others.
Mead also had some involvement with the 2013 Gearbox Software game Aliens: Colonial Marines, elaborating on the interiors of his Sulaco designs as well as creating art for a new ship in the game.
The Weyland-Yutani Research Frigate, for the game Aliens: Colonial Marines. By Syd Mead.
Charles de Lauzirika, who interviewed Mead for his behind-the-scenes documentary for the Alien films, commented on his passing via Twitter.
Syd Mead was a world builder the likes of which cinema had never seen, and probably won't see again. Such a pleasure to interview him for my BLADE RUNNER and ALIENS docs, and I'll forever be inspired by his visionary art. Condolences to Roger, Syd's family, friends and many fans. https://t.co/YNZOSxL2xJ
— Charles de Lauzirika (@Lauzirika) December 30, 2019
A hardcover book collecting his art and career, ‘The Movie Art of Syd Mead: Visual Futurist’ was released back in 2017. Mead Also released his autobiography ‘A Future Remembered’ in 2018.
The staff and community of AvPGalaxy would like to give our thoughts and condolences to Mead’s family and friends. His visions will continue to enthrall us.
I recall Mead saying the final (James Cameron) design of the fictional dropship was "too spindly" in some respects. But you could argue it was because Cameron was aiming for a Vietnam asthetic- Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopter meets F-4 Phantom II fighter. I think to imagine if Mead had 100% control of the dropship design it would be like the Japanese movie GUNHED (1989 film heavily influenced in design by Cameron and Mead's 1986 ALIENS) meets, what we would see in, Prometheus.
https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/Syd_Mead
And I heard, in the retrospective ALIENS documentary, that when building the practical dropship set- they used parts from actual RAF B2 Vulcan bombers being decomissioned at RAF Marham Norfolk UK. I used to live and visit there, as one of my parents worked on the base during the time of the film makers, sourcing spare parts for said film props! Could explain my fascination with military science fiction films.
RIP Syd Mead.
He worked in the Gundam franchise as well. A talent like no other indeed. RIP Syd Mead.
https://i.imgur.com/m55JP8Y.jpg
Trying.. not...... to laugh....
Yeah, just saw your second post now. Lets all hope Riddles doesn't party too hard tonight, there's only a few more hours left to go then he's Scott free!
Yep, I noticed the same thing...
Rest In Peace Mr. Mead, your work was legendary and will live on far after you are gone.
Larry, Syd and Rutger Hauer. Is the year 2019 some kind of Blade Runner curse?
RIP Mr. Mead.
Syd. Larry. Rutger. The Blade Runner alumni has lost some real greats this year.
May the Lord comfort his family and friends during this time of loss.
R.I.P.
He was an amazing talent.
Spoiler
A mistake? How awful. I mean if would be great if he was still alive, but what an awful mistake that would be to make.
Rest in Peace Syd.