John Williams has been composing the beautiful, iconic music that we’ve grown to love on the Star Wars saga, and he recently indicated he might call it quits after Episode IX.
The Star Wars franchise has been around since 1977, and John Williams has been along every step of the way, composing the franchise’s iconic score. Williams’ sweeping score is as recognizable and as beloved as the franchise’s characters themselves. However, the musical genius might be done with the franchise after Episode IX.
Related: Rian Johnson shares video of John Williams conducting Star Wars theme
In a recent interview with the radio station Classical KUSC, Williams hinted that he might bid the franchise adieu after the Skywalker Saga concludes.
“We know J.J. Abrams is preparing one now that I will hopefully do next year for him. I look forward it. It will round out a series of nine, that will be quite enough for me.”
Of course, that isn’t a definitive statement, and Williams could most certainly come back for future Star Wars films after Episode IX. However, it makes sense that he’d be ready to move on to other projects after nine films in the Skywalker Saga and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
And while Rogue One is evidence that another composer can definitely create a beautiful score for a Star Wars film, we’ll miss the iconic touch that John Williams has given to the franchise. Happily, Star Wars: Episode IX releases in December of 2019, so we still have quite a while to enjoy Williams iconic score if he does intend to leave the franchise. Until then, we’ll just be listening to his existing scores on repeat.