We know who’s producing Star Wars: Episode VII. We know who’s writing. We know who’s directing. Now the biggest question left to answer for the behind the cameras crew is the composer. Will John Williams return to the saga that made him famous? Or will he pass the baton to J.J. Abrams’ long time collaborator Michael Giacchino?
A couple of months ago, someone (I believe it was Hypable’s Selina Wilken) tweeted saying that Howard Shore scoring The Hobbit was an excellent thing because it meant soundtrack continuity, something the Harry Potter film series lacked severely. The incredible John Williams, the man who composed almost every single recognizable film soundtrack ever, made the first three films more magical with his talent. I mean, go listen to “Hedwig’s Theme” and tell me you don’t believe in magic. It’s not possible. When Episode VII was announced, I remembered Selina’s tweet and I wondered who would score the long-awaited return of Star Wars. I think there’s only two candidates.
One of them is obviously John Williams. He has scored every single Star Wars film. The music of Episode IV is called by many the greatest score ever made. And it’s hard to argue. The opening crawl theme, the love theme…Star Wars is an excellent movie. But it wouldn’t be as magical without the truly magnificent score. Then he composed the “Imperial March” for Empire Strikes Back. And then, even though I’m no big fan of the prequels, I listen to “Duel of Fates” and “Battle of the Heroes” almost religiously.
Having scored movies like Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Superman and E.T. and having been nominated for the Academy Awards 48 times (Second only to Walt Disney’s 59) no one can deny the man is a genius. So, should he return and score Episode VII? Should there be soundtrack continuity to ease us into the Star Wars universe again?
Or should a new man step up to give us something different? If John Williams isn’t the chosen one, I believe there’s only one other choice. Michael Giacchino. He has scored every movie J.J. Abrams has made to this date. He has also scored most of his TV shows. He’s a fantastic composer and his work for Pixar is my personal favorite. The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Up have some of the best music Pixar has used.
I really like Giacchino’s work, including the music for Star Trek. He always makes interesting choices (like using parts of the plane fuselage for his work on Lost) and I’m sure he would do a good job if he’s chosen. He has previously worked with iconic themes like the Mission Impossible one so he would take care of John William’s iconic work.
However, in my opinion, John Williams HAS to come back for Episode VII. As Harry Potter proved, even if the other composers use his wonderful themes, it’s just not the same. I bet every Potter fan who wasn’t crying when Deathly Hallows – Part 2 ended finally lost it when the credits started rolling and “Hedwig’s Theme” started playing.
The music Williams has composed for the saga just has no match and I think it would be a huge mistake if he’s not allowed to give us more amazing music. Whether he wants to come back or will be able to (he’ll be 83, after all) are things I don’t know. But I do know I want him to be Episode VII’s composer.
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