In the instance of top directors announcing their latest projects, you can bet a select few composers are confidently clearing their calendars for work to come. But while Christopher Nolan and Peter Jackson rely on Hans Zimmer and Howard Shore for iconic scores, both composers in turn hold parts of franchise iconography for iterations to come — a matter thrown into relief lately with J.J. Abrams’ take on “Star Wars” and its musical direction.
Until now, composer John Williams has been an iconic and consistently solid facet to the “Star Wars” property, and as conveyed during a recent concert performance, the composer hopes to keep it that way with Abrams’ inclusion into the mix.
“Neither I, nor George [Lucas], nor anyone else involved thought this would go far, or in a few years there would be a sequel and I’d have to revisit the themes,” Williams explained (via JWFan). “Now we’re hearing of a new set of movies coming in 2015, 2016…so I need to make sure I’m still ready to go in a few years for what I hope would be continued work with George.”
Aside from Williams perhaps being unaware that the latest film had fallen into Abrams’ hands (and that Lucas is apparently stepping back), it’s still a valid assumption that the composer will be involved on a nostalgic basis alone. However, a persuasive element for change, as well as a logical one, lies in composer Michael Giacchino. Abrams and Giacchino have only grown more simpatico since working together on the “Alias," and after all, the composer had no qualms stepping into the shoes of Jerry Goldsmith when it came to the “Star Trek” reboot. What’s to say this will be different?
However, if recent developments show anything, it's that Disney and Lucasfilm are moving forward by looking to the past, as initial speculation of new characters and storylines has quickly given way to questions of Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford’s return. Perhaps Abrams may pull a surprise in the end, but what do you think Giacchino’s contribution could bring to the “Star Wars” series, and should Williams be involved at all? While some new musical blood could be refreshing, are the familiar strains of Williams something everyone wants to hear no matter who is directing? Who do you prefer? Let us know below.