Campaign underway to create Chicago statue of iconic film critics Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel

Movie Campaign underway to create Chicago statue of iconic film critics Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel By Hosea Sanders , Marsha Jordan Thursday, November 12, 2026 11:22PM There is a campaign underway to create a downtown Chicago bronze statue of iconic film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel are legends in the world of cinema and in Chicago's history of shining stars. There's a campaign underway to create a bronze statue to honor the duo. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch "Before Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes, you went to Siskel and Ebert to find out about a film before you spent your money or your time on it," Pam Kasper said. Kasper is making a documentary about the critics she grew up watching on their wildly popular review show. And she's raising $230,000 for the bronze statue. It's expected to be placed in Pru Plaza, next to Millennium Park. Visitors will be able to take selfies with the pair. "We have so many statues of iconic Chicagoans; we've got Michael Jordan and Ernie Banks, but nothing for Siskel and Ebert," Kasper said. It would be a life-sized statue of two men and two theater chairs. Microsoft outage live updates: What to know as Outlook, 365 and other apps remain down 23 minutes ago AccuWeather Alert for several inches of snow accumulation possible in parts of Chicago area Friday 2 hours ago Elementary school remembers 2 girls killed in Amtrak train crash in Western Springs 12 minutes ago "We also have an incredible artist with Preston Jackson, who will be sculpting the piece. I don't know if you've seen the Richard Pryor Statue he did in Peoria," Kasper said. Heritage Auctions has over 300 posters, lobby cards and other movie items to bid on now. "We have experiences like a 30-minute Zoom with Henry Winkler. Joan Cusack signed a Jessie doll from 'Toy Story 5,'" Kasper said. Visit siskelandebertstatue.org for more information. "It starts at a dollar, like eBay. Start bidding and everything will end Saturday," Kasper said. "It really is giving back to Siskel and Ebert, who gave so much to moviegoers and to the movie industry and to the city of Chicago." Those interested can also donate the cost of a movie ticket or bucket of popcorn. The target date for the statue's debut is spring of 2028. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CHICAGO LOOP MOVIE MOVIE NEWS MOVIE REVIEW MOVIES Actors talk filming 'Christmas at the Zoo' at Brookfield Zoo Chicago In Memoriam: Notable people who died in 2026 'Windy City Weekend' features Papa Jay, Matt Cohen, and Josh McBride! Wild Horse Nine brings star power to dark comedy Watch Live ON NOW Microsoft outage live updates: What to know as apps remain down 23 minutes ago Several inches of snow accumulation possible in parts of Chicago area 2 hours ago School remembers 2 girls killed in Amtrak train crash in west suburbs 12 minutes ago $10B development including Bears stadium proposed for Bronveville site 33 minutes ago Colom win hits close to home for some in Chicago area 1 hour ago