‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Will Have A New Theme Composed By John Williams
Over five months ago we found out thatJohn Powellwould be composing the scoreforSolo: A Star Wars Story. Though composerJohn Williamshas been responsible for providing the score for every film in the primaryStar Warssaga, Disney and Lucasfilm have opted to let other composers take over for the spin-offs under theStar Wars Storymoniker. However, when it comes toSolo: A Star Wars Story, fans will hear some new music composed by John Williams after all.
In a recent interview with the legendary composer, John Williams revealed that he will be composing a theme for the Han Solo movie while John Powell will handle the rest of the score. Find out more about the Han Solo theme revelation below.
Speaking withVariety(viaMaking Star Wars) here’s what John Williams had to say about his involvement withSolo: A Star Wars Story:
“The present plan is that I’m writing a theme for Han Solo, and John Powell is going to write the score, which he’ll do brilliantly. His assignment is something I’m very happy about. What I will do is offer this to John, and to [director] Ron Howard, and if all parties are happy with it, then I will be happy. John [Powell] will complete the score. He will write all the rest of the themes and all of the other material, which I’m going to be very anxious to hear.”
This is a departure from how the score forRogue One: A Star Wars Storywas completed by composer Michael Giacchino entirely, though he did use some cues from Williams' previous scores for theStar Warsfilms. One has to wonder if this is in an effort to help get some skepticalStar Warsfans more excited about an origin story that many think is unnecessary.
One question I have is whether John Powell’s work on the Han Solo movie score is being worked on independently without hearing John Williams' new theme or if Powell will let that theme influence the rest of the score. The latter is more likely so there’s a bit more of a cohesive nature to the score, but it could go either way.
This will be the first time John Williams has composed originalStar Warsmusic outside of the primary saga films, though his themes have always been present in theStar Warsmovies, TV shows, video games and more.
After his work onSolo: A Star Wars Storyis complete, Williams will presumably compose the score forStar Wars: Episode IX, which could end up being the last time he composes music for theStar Warsuniverse. There’s no word on whether Williams will have any involvement in Rian Johnson’s newStar Warstrilogy that will take place outside of the Skywalker saga, but considering the composer’s age and the new direction for the franchise, I’m betting he’ll retire fromStar WarswithEpisode IX, but we’ll have to wait and see.
