Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be scored by Michael Giacchino, who recently spoke out about the movie’s key themes.
Aside from being the first Star Wars story not following the decades-long Skywalker family feud with the Force, Rogue One is also the first franchise film that isn’t scored by John Williams.
Originally, Alexandre Desplat had been given the honor, but due to scheduling conflicts, the movie will now feature a soundtrack by Star Trek and Lost composer Michael Giacchino.
It’d be hard for anyone to follow in John Williams’ footsteps, but luckily for Giacchino, he’s grown up an unofficial student of the legendary composer.
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“John and I have known each other for a while and he’s always been a great giver of wisdom,” Giacchino tells Heat Vision (via The Hollywood Reporter). “He is a great teacher, even when he is not directly teaching you. Growing up listening to him — he was one of my biggest indirect teachers. Working on this films I am constantly reminded that it was Star Wars that pushed me in this direction.”
Giacchino further reveals that he is most excited for fans to hear the theme for main character Jyn (Felicity Jones), saying, “I love the main character. I love Jyn and what they have done with her.”
Michael Giacchino also scored Marvel’s Doctor Strange, for which the soundtrack has already been released.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is directed by Gareth Edwards and premieres on December 16, 2016.