Joe Johnston Biography
Johnston studied at California State University, Long Beach, and the Art Center College of Design. One day, he saw an advertisement for a storyboard artist, and it happened to be for George Lucas’s company, Lucasfilm Ltd. He got the job and worked his way up to a head storyboard position, often collaborating with Lucas in the editing room. Johnston considered his time at Lucasfilm as the best film school, especially learning from Lucas while editing the original trilogy.
| Short Profile | |
|---|---|
| First Name | Joe |
| Last Name | Johnston |
| Profession | Director |
| Age | 69 years old |
| Birth Sign | Taurus |
| Birth Date | May 13, 1950 |
| Birth Place | Austin, Texas |
| Country | United States |
After a while, Johnston grew disenchanted with his job and decided to leave Lucasfilm to travel the world with his savings. However, when he gave his notice, Lucas had a different plan. Lucas suggested that Johnston attend the University of Southern California’s Film School, with Lucas covering the tuition and keeping him on at half salary. Johnston accepted the proposal without hesitation in 1984.
Before making Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Joe Johnston was in charge of creating the unique look for Boba Fett’s armor and gear. He collaborated with artist Ralph McQuarrie to design the appearance of the bounty hunter, drawing inspiration from the early concepts of Darth Vader.
In Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Johnston not only worked behind the scenes but also appeared on screen as an Imperial gunner and a spacetrooper with a backpack. Interestingly, he was even turned into a Hasbro action figure in 2009, wearing the spacetrooper costume.
In July 2011, Johnston mentioned that he was trying to convince George Lucas to create a movie centered around Boba Fett.
Who is Joe Johnston Dating?
As of January 13, 2024, our information suggests that Joe Johnston is likely single and currently not in a relationship. There are no records of him being previously engaged or having any past relationships available in our data.
On December 12, 2017, The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that Johnston took on the responsibility of directing 32 days of reshoots for the film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.” This decision was made because the original director, Lasse Hallström, was unavailable at that time.
Height, Weight & Body Measurements
Joe Johnston, standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall with an unknown weight and body measurements, made his directorial debut in 1989 with the successful comedy adventure “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” featuring Rick Moranis. He continued his directing journey with the comic-book adaptation “The Rocketeer” in 1991, although it was not a commercial success. The animated and live-action film “The Pagemaster” also faced a similar fate.
| Height | 6 Ft 1 In |
| Weight | Not Known |
| Body Measurements | Under Review |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Feet/Shoe Size | Not Available |
However, Johnston bounced back by directing the family-friendly hit “Jumanji,” starring Robin Williams. The movie revolves around four players trapped in an enchanted board game. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film achieved substantial success, grossing over $260 million at the box office.
Joe Johnston Career
At the start of Joe Johnston’s career in the film industry, he focused on a combination of design and special effects. Initially working as a concept artist and effects technician on the first Star Wars film, he co-created the design for the iconic character Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back and served as the art director for one of the effects teams in the sequel, Return of the Jedi. His collaboration with George Lucas proved successful, leading to an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for their work on Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Continuing his career as an effects expert, Johnston took on various roles, including being an associate producer on the fantasy film Willow and serving as the production designer for two mid-80s TV movies featuring the Ewoks from Return of the Jedi.
In addition to his work in film, Johnston authored a Star Wars novel titled “The Adventures of Teebo: A Tale of Magic and Suspense,” connecting to Return of the Jedi.
In 1984, at the age of 34, Johnston expressed his desire to leave Lucasfilm for a year. Instead, George Lucas offered him an opportunity to attend the USC School of Cinematic Arts for a year with paid tuition and half-salary, enabling Johnston to take any class of his choice. After a year, Johnston left, mentioning that he was asked not to return due to breaking too many rules.
Facts About Joe Johnston
- Joe Johnston’s age is 69 years old.
- Birthday May 13, 1950.
- Birth Sign Taurus.
- He began his film career as a visual effects artist, and he won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for the film Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Joe Johnston’s Filmography
List of Films And TV Show’s
Film Director:
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
- Not Safe For Work (2013)
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
- The Wolfman (2010)
- Hidalgo (2004)
- Jurassic Park III (2001)
- October Sky (1999)
- Jumanji (1995)
- The Pagemaster (1994)
- The Rocketeer (1991)
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
- Ewoks: The Battle For Endor (1985) [as 2nd Unit Director]
Film Writer:
- Jurassic Park III (2001) [Screenplay]
Film Producer:
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) [Executive Producer]
- Willow (1988) [Associate Producer]
Film Art Director:
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) [Visual Effects Art Direction]
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Visual Effects in Films:
- Battlestar Galactica (1978)
- Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
Production Designer in Films:
- Ewoks: The Battle For Endor (1985)
- The Ewok Adventure (1984)
Film Production – Unit:
- *batteries not included (1987) [Unit Director]
Location Manager:
- A Boy Called Hate (1995)
Miscellaneous Crew in Films:
- The Iron Giant (1999)
- Always (1989)
- Howard The Duck (1986)
Joe Johnston Achievement and Awards
Joe Johnston’s journey in the film industry is a tapestry woven with creative triumphs and prestigious accolades. From his early days as a visual effects pioneer to his success as a director, he has consistently showcased exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Let’s delve into the impressive list of achievements and awards that mark his remarkable career:
Visual Effects Pioneer:
- Academy Award for Best Visual Effects: Awarded for his contributions to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981), a testament to his groundbreaking work in visual effects.
- Co-created the design of Boba Fett: A significant contribution to the iconic Star Wars universe, showcasing his visual storytelling prowess.
- Art Director for Return of the Jedi: Played a key role in shaping the look and feel of this beloved Star Wars installment.
- Contributions to other iconic films: His visual effects magic graced films like “Ghostbusters,” “Willow,” and the original Star Wars trilogy, leaving a lasting impact on cinema history.
Directorial Accolades:
- Saturn Award for Best Director: Received for “Captain America: The First Avenger” (2011), recognizing his direction of the superhero film’s origin story.
- Box office success: Several of his films, including “Jumanji,” “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” and “Jurassic Park III,” achieved commercial success, demonstrating his ability to entertain audiences globally.
- Genre-bending versatility: From family-friendly adventures to superhero spectacles to gothic thrillers, Johnston has adeptly navigated diverse genres, demonstrating his range and storytelling acumen.
- Critical acclaim: Many of his films, like “The Rocketeer” and “October Sky,” garnered positive critical reception, highlighting his ability to create engaging and captivating narratives.
Other Notable Achievements:
- Executive Producer credit: He has lent his expertise to various projects, expanding his influence beyond his directorial chair.
- Commercial directing: Showcased his skill in crafting compelling ad campaigns.
- Inspiring future generations: Johnston’s work remains a source of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and artists who admire his innovative vision and dedication to storytelling.
Joe Johnston Net Worth
Joe Johnston is considered one of the wealthiest directors in the United States, with a net worth of $5 million as of January 13, 2024, according to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider. In the early 2000s, he directed the successful sequel, Jurassic Park III, which grossed over US$300 million at the box office. Following that, he worked on the western film Hidalgo, featuring Viggo Mortensen. After a six-year break, Johnston unexpectedly took charge of the 2010 remake of the 1941 horror classic, The Wolfman, filmed in England and starring Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins.
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Salary | Under Review |
| Source of Income | Director |
| Cars | Not Available |
| House | Living In Own House. |
His expertise in the period superhero film, The Rocketeer, led to Johnston being chosen to direct the Marvel Studios adaptation, Captain America: The First Avenger. Released on July 22, 2011, the movie features Chris Evans as the comic book hero and Hugo Weaving as the villain, the Red Skull. In 2012, Johnston directed the thriller Not Safe for Work for Blumhouse Productions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Joe Johnston
What is Joe Johnston’s latest movie?
The most recent movies for Joe Johnston is The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.