8) A New Sound?
The new Anthology features another franchise first. It will be the first Star Wars endeavor not to utilize multi-Oscar-winning composer John Williams. Rather than using the stalwart cinematic auteur – perhaps due to the radically different tone and feel embodied by Rogue One – Edwards instead recruited composer Alexandre Desplat.
Known for scoring Godzilla, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1 and Argo, Desplat has massive shoes to fill. But with 30 years of film-composition experience, the dramatic composer ought to be up to the task.
[zergpaid]This change in direction likely comes as Lucasfilm updates their array upcoming features. It may also represent their desire to work with each Anthology filmmaker to create a unique if interconnected soundscape – with Williams’ iconic theme likely acting as the underlying motif for each soundtrack.
Of course, there is also a practicality to their musical direction. The legendary composer is in his mid-80s. Williams may retire before the expansive new Star Wars franchise even hits its stride. Kennedy and crew also recognize that its time for the next generation of composers to lend a hand in scoring the future.