Lawrence Kasdan

Lawrence Kasdan is a screenwriter and director known for shaping influential films in the American film industry. Kasdan is recognized for writing major Hollywood blockbusters and directing ensemble character dramas. His work is noted for updating classic Hollywood genres—film noir, science fiction, and Westerns—using a classical dramatic style with quick-witted dialogue and contemporary social themes.

Kasdan began his career after graduating from the University of Michigan, working as an advertising copywriter while writing screenplays. His sixth screenplay, "The Bodyguard," was optioned for $20,000. The spec script "Continental Divide" attracted the attention of director Steven Spielberg, leading Universal to acquire it. George Lucas enlisted Kasdan to write "The Empire Strikes Back," followed by "Raiders of the Lost Ark." These projects established Kasdan as a sought-after writer in the film industry.

Kasdan transitioned to directing, writing and directing films such as "Body Heat," "The Big Chill," "Silverado," and "The Accidental Tourist." He contributed to the early careers of actors including Kevin Costner, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, and Kathleen Turner, who appeared in multiple projects with him. Kasdan earned four Academy Award nominations: two for Best Original Screenplay for "The Big Chill" and "Grand Canyon," one for Best Adapted Screenplay for "The Accidental Tourist," and one as producer for that film's Best Picture nomination.

Kasdan co-wrote four Star Wars films: "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," "The Force Awakens," and "Solo: A Star Wars Story." For "Solo," he collaborated with his son Jonathan Kasdan. Kasdan received the Directors Guild of America Award for "The Big Chill" and the Golden Lion Award at the Berlin Film Festival for "Grand Canyon." Additional honors include the Distinguished Screenwriter Award from the Austin Film Festival and the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement from the Writers Guild of America. In 2026, he received an Emmy nomination for directing the documentary "Marty, Life Is Short."

Kasdan contributed to the creation of two major Hollywood franchises—"Raiders of the Lost Ark" and Star Wars—while also earning recognition for character-driven dramatic films. His papers, documenting the production of significant films, are housed at the University of Michigan Library's Screen Arts Mavericks and Makers Collection. Kasdan's work continues to influence the film industry, particularly in screenwriting, directing, and franchise filmmaking.