The ghostwritten novelization of the original 1977 Star Wars film established a career defined by the expansion of established cinematic universes. Born in 1946 in New York City, this American novelist and screenwriter graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and built a substantial body of work spanning science fiction, fantasy, and media tie-in literature.
Contributions to Science Fiction Franchises
Foster is known for his extensive work on film adaptations. His collaboration with the Star Wars franchise included the early novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye, intended as a low-budget sequel, and later additions like The Approaching Storm and the novelization of The Force Awakens. In the Alien series, he adapted several films, often dealing with creative constraints such as limited access to creature designs. His history with Star Trek includes ten books based on the animated series, contributions to audio stories, and the novelizations of the 2009 film and its sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness.
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Beyond his work on existing intellectual properties, Foster produced numerous standalone novels and multi-volume series. His bibliography includes the Spellsinger series, The Damned trilogy, and The Taken trilogy. He has also explored diverse settings in works like The Human Blend, The Mocking Program, and For Love of Mother-Not. His professional experience includes roles as a writer, screenwriter, and docent, predominantly working in English from his base in Arizona.
Rights and Intellectual Property Disputes
In 2020, Foster collaborated with the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America to address a royalty dispute with The Walt Disney Company. The conflict concerned the non-payment of royalties for e-book sales of his Star Wars and Alien novels, which Disney acquired through the purchase of Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox. The parties resolved the matter in May 2021, resulting in compensation for Foster and fellow authors James Kahn and Donald F. Glut.
Fast facts
- Born: 1946, New York City
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Notable work: For Love of Mother-Not
- Award: Aelita Prize (2021)
- Award: Grand Master, International Association of Media Tie-In Writers (2008)
- Primary field: Science fiction and fantasy literature
- Citizenship: United States
- Working location: Arizona
Questions readers ask
Did Alan Dean Foster write the first Star Wars novel?
Yes, he was the ghostwriter for the original novelization, which was credited to George Lucas.
How was the royalty dispute with Disney settled?
In May 2021, Disney reached an agreement to pay outstanding e-book royalties to Foster, James Kahn, and Donald F. Glut.
Achievements
- Aelita Prize — 2021
- Notable work: For Love of Mother-Not
