Joe Johnston

Born:May 13, 1950

Place of Birth:Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Known For:Directing

Biography

Joseph Eggleston Johnston II, known professionally as Joe Johnston, is a multifaceted talent in the world of filmmaking. Born on May 13, 1950, in Texas, Johnston has left an indelible mark on Hollywood as a director, producer, writer, and visual effects artist. His career is a testament to his versatility and skill in bringing captivating stories to life on the big screen.

One of Johnston's most notable works is the beloved family adventure "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (1989), where he showcased his ability to blend imaginative storytelling with groundbreaking visual effects. The film's success catapulted Johnston into the spotlight, setting the stage for a career filled with exciting projects that would captivate audiences worldwide.

In "The Rocketeer" (1991), Johnston demonstrated his flair for blending action, humor, and heart, creating a superhero film ahead of its time. His visionary approach to storytelling and attention to detail helped solidify his reputation as a director with a unique cinematic voice.

"Jumanji" (1995) further showcased Johnston's talent for crafting immersive worlds and thrilling adventures. The film's seamless blend of special effects and storytelling cemented its status as a beloved classic, captivating audiences of all ages.

With "Jurassic Park III" (2001), Johnston ventured into the world of dinosaurs, delivering a high-octane sequel that thrilled fans of the franchise. His ability to infuse tension and excitement into every frame solidified his reputation as a master of the action-adventure genre.

In "The Wolfman" (2010), Johnston delved into the realm of horror, bringing a fresh perspective to a classic tale. His keen eye for visual storytelling and atmospheric direction added a new layer of intrigue to the werewolf mythos, showcasing his range as a filmmaker.

"Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011) marked Johnston's foray into the superhero genre, where he brought his signature blend of action, heart, and spectacle to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His direction breathed life into the iconic character, setting the stage for future adventures in the franchise.

Throughout his career, Joe Johnston has proven himself to be a master storyteller with a keen eye for visual storytelling. His diverse filmography reflects his passion for crafting engaging narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages. Johnston's contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying his legacy as a visionary filmmaker.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Star Wars

Death Star Trooper (uncredited)

1977

Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.

The Empire Strikes Back

Hoth Rebel (uncredited)

1980

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

Self

2014

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!

Production

Captain America: The First Avenger

Executive Producer

2011

During World War II, Steve Rogers is a sickly man from Brooklyn who's transformed into super-soldier Captain America to aid in the war effort. Rogers must stop the Red Skull – Adolf Hitler's ruthless head of weaponry, and the leader of an organization that intends to use a mysterious device of untold powers for world domination.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Visual Effects Art Director

1981

When Dr. Indiana Jones – the tweed-suited professor who just happens to be a celebrated archaeologist – is hired by the government to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant, he finds himself up against the entire Nazi regime.

Return of the Jedi

Creature Design

1983

Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, while the Emperor seeks to destroy the Rebellion once and for all with a second dreaded Death Star.

The Iron Giant

Character Designer

1999

In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.

Willow

Producer

1988

The evil Queen Bavmorda hunts the newborn princess Elora Danan, a child prophesied to bring about her downfall. When the royal infant is found by Willow, a timid farmer and aspiring sorcerer, he's entrusted with delivering her from evil.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Director

1989

The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.

Jumanji

Director

1995

When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan -- an adult who's been trapped inside the game for 26 years -- into their living room. Alan's only hope for freedom is to finish the game, which proves risky as all three find themselves running from giant rhinoceroses, evil monkeys and other terrifying creatures.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Director

2018

When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.

The Wolfman

Director

2010

Lawrence Talbot, an American man on a visit to Victorian London to make amends with his estranged father, gets bitten by a werewolf and, after a moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.

The Pagemaster

Director

1994

Rich knows a lot about accidents. So much so, he is scared to do anything that might endanger him, like riding his bike, or climbing into his treehouse. While in an old library, he is mystically transported into the unknown world of books, and he has to try and get home again.

October Sky

Director

1999

Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However, in October 1957 everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, goes into orbit. When Homer sees the Soviet satellite streak overhead, he becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With the help of his friends, and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town, and especially Homer's father, thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.

The Rocketeer

Director

1991

A stunt pilot comes across a prototype jetpack that gives him the ability to fly. However, evil forces of the world also want this jetpack at any cost.

Hidalgo

Director

2004

Set in 1890, this is the story of a Pony Express courier who travels to Arabia to compete with his horse, Hidalgo, in a dangerous race for a massive contest prize, in an adventure that sends the pair around the world...

Ewoks: The Battle for Endor

Production Design

1985

The army of the Marauders, led by King Terak and the witch Charal, attack the Ewoks village, killing Cindel's family. Cindel and the Ewok Wicket escape and meet Teek in the forest, a naughty and very fast animal. Teek takes them to a house in which an old man, Noa, lives. Like Cindel, he also crashed with his Starcruiser on Endor. Together they fight Terak and Charal.

*batteries not included

Production Manager

1987

In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.

The Ewok Adventure

Production Design

1984

Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents.

Jurassic Park III

Director

2001

In need of funds for research, Dr. Alan Grant accepts a large sum of money to accompany Paul and Amanda Kirby on an aerial tour of the infamous Isla Sorna. It isn't long before all hell breaks loose and the stranded wayfarers must fight for survival as a host of new -- and even more deadly -- dinosaurs try to make snacks of them.