Robert Watts, a Hollywood producer who worked on some of the biggest blockbusters in film history, passed away on September 30, 2024, at his home in East Sussex, England, at age 86. Watts’s work includes collaborations with George Lucas on the “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” franchises, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films that shaped modern cinema.
Watts began his career in the British film industry in the 1960s, but his big break came when Lucas hired him to work on “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” in 1977. As a key production figure, Watts helped bring the imaginative world that would become a cultural phenomenon to life. His role in the “Star Wars “production not only solidified his reputation but also set the stage for his future work with Lucas.
Following the success of “Star Wars,” Watts became a producer for “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the first film in the “Indiana Jones” franchise, released in 1981. The film was a box-office sensation and a critical success, partly thanks to Watts’ meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage complex logistics. He continued working on “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), helping to make the adventures of the globe-trotting archaeologist a beloved part of cinematic history.
Watts reflected on his work with Lucas, saying, “Sometimes you can work with a director for a long time and still be surprised. That was certainly the case with George [Lucas] during the first Star Wars feature. He always had a way of seeing things differently.”
The Lucasfilm team called Robert a true legend, noting that his work on “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” helped shape an important era of filmmaking. They added that his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
In addition to these film franchises, Watts contributed to other major films like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” and “Alien. “His ability to bring directors’ visions to life earned him admiration from colleagues and critics alike.
He is survived by his wife, two children, and several grandchildren. His family has asked for privacy during this time, though they shared that he was proud of his contributions to the film world and grateful for the life he had lived.