Poor J.J. Abrams. He’s trying to attend press conferences to discuss the new Star Trek film, and everyone keeps asking him about Star Wars. But this is what happens when you become the director of two of the most widely-known and beloved genre franchises of all time.
While in Berlin with the rest of the cast of Star Trek Into Darkness for the premiere he was asked about whether or not his longtime collaborator Michael Giacchino will compose the score for the upcoming untitled Star Wars film. While praising Giacchino, saying he is an “incredible composer . . . he is brilliant . . . ,“ Abrams concludes with, “For Star Wars it’s very early days to know, but I believe that going forward that John Williams will be doing that film because apparently he was there long before I was.”
Straight from the director’s mouth. That’s pretty official, wouldn’t you say?
Established musical themes. Continuity. A composer beloved by all. Dare I hope? Anyone who knows me knows my love for John Williams. And even if his latter scores lack the powerful themes of some of his earlier work, he is still the composer for Star Wars. Others have stood on the shoulders of his genius to create music for games and shows beyond the theatrically released films, but he is the man who is responsible for the Imperial March. He cannot be cast aside lightly.
So while others may want someone new for Episode VII, I remain a staunch supporter of John Williams. And, like Swank-mo-tron, I was sad that his famous Superman theme wasn’t chosen for the upcoming Man of Steel film. New isn’t bad. But it’s also not John Williams.
Some things just go together. Chocolate and peanut butter. Oreos and milk. John Williams and Star Wars.
But until he is signed on to do the film, nothing is official. And until Star Trek Into Darkness opens in theaters on May 17, Abrams will be focused on publicity for that film. Perhaps after that, he can turn his full attention to Star Wars, and we can begin to get official and confirmed news about the plot, actors, and composer.