John Williams is behind some of the most iconic scores in modern cinema. The list is impressive and seemingly endless: “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter,” “Schindler’s List,” and more. But, now 90, Williams has decided that his film score for the upcoming “Indiana Jones 5,” will be his last–at least for the time being.
“At the moment I’m working on ‘Indiana Jones 5,’ which Harrison Ford — who’s quite a bit younger than I am — I think has announced will be his last film,” Williams told AP News. “So, I thought: if Harrison can do it, then perhaps I can, also.” To be clear, Ford actually hasn’t commented publicly about the next “Indiana Jones” movie being his final screen appearance. But that’s just as well, as Williams’ retirement from film scores isn’t conclusive, either. “I don’t want to be seen as categorically eliminating any activity,” said Williams, “I can’t play tennis, but I like to able to believe that maybe one day I will.” So, in other words, he’s done with scores for now but never say never about a return.
Williams is a prolific composer beyond his celebrated scores, and he’ll continue to write concert music after “Indiana Jones 5.” His most recent album came out this spring, a collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma titled “A Gathering Of Friends.” That album included new arrangements of his scores for “Schindler’s List,” “Munich,” and “Lincoln.” He’s also writing a piano concerto for Grammy-winning pianist Emanuel Ax.
The total output of Williams’ film scores is staggering. He’s composed over 100 film scores, with five Oscar wins and 52 Academy Award nominations. Only Walt Disney has more Oscar nominations. Williams’ first score came in 1958 for the crime film “Daddy-O,” and he began working with long-time collaborator Steven Spielberg in 1972 after Spielberg sought him out for lunch. The pair have worked on 30 total films together, including “Indiana Jones 5” and Spielberg’s upcoming film, “The Fabelmans,” a semi-autobiographical drama.
On his relationship with Spielberg, Williams said it’s unlikely their bond will ever fade. “It’s been 50 years now,” he said, “Maybe we’re starting on the next 50.” “Whatever our connections will be, whether it’s music or working with him or just being with him, I think we will always be together. We’re great, close friends who have shared many years together. It’s the kind of relationship where neither one of us would ever say no to the other.”
“The Fabelmans” hits theaters in November later this year. As for “Indiana Jones 5,” mark your calendars for June 30, 2023.