In the world of film scores, you have certain names that not only film nerds will know right off the bat, but those casual fans will recognize and be interested in it. Names like Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, and John Williams are examples of these types of composers. Well, over the last decade or so, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have made such a big name for themselves that they’re likely names that will attract film fans to a project, based on their involvement alone. And when it comes to the idea of this duo working on a Pixar film, well you can imagine the curiosity is off the charts.
Well, as revealed in a new Rolling Stone interview, Reznor and Ross will be working on a Pixar film, the upcoming “Soul,” to be exact. And though the electronic, almost industrial sound of their scores might not be the first sonic landscape you imagine in a children’s film, it does seem like the duo are excited about the challenge.
READ MORE: ‘Soul’: Pixar Gives Plot Details & Release Date For New Animated Film
“So someone said, ‘Are you interested in working on an animated film with Pixar?’” said Reznor. “Yeah, I don’t think anybody does animation better than they do. And we end up meeting with [Pixar’s chief creative officer] Pete Docter, and he’s what you hope he would be.”
He added, “It feels very authentic, it feels very exciting and it’s very, very different from anything else we’ve ever done, from the way they do it to how they think about it. And we’re a risky choice for them, so that makes it very appealing. Can we do something like that? That means us working out of our comfort zone. It’s early days but it’s been really cool.”
Reznor also explained that he and his collaborator Atticus Ross don’t base their choices on which projects to do and what not to do around the idea of awards or box office. Instead, it’s all about the process.
“It’s nice if it does well,” he explained. “But being in the trenches, collaborating with someone new, learning from them, fighting with them, figuring out their process — that’s the exciting stuff, especially when it’s someone you resonate with.“
We won’t have to wait too long to see how the musical duo’s trademark sound works in the context of a Pixar film. “Soul” is expected to be released on June 19, 2020. Reznor and Ross’ work can also be heard in the new HBO series “Watchmen,” which airs on Sunday nights.