You don’t need us to tell you how important composer John Williams’ contribution to Star Wars is. While George Lucas and subsequent writers and directors put the ideas in and the talented cast brought the characters to life, Williams’ scores have given the franchise that extra bit of magic for forty years and counting. That’s why we’re saddened by the news that he might be saying goodbye to the saga after the upcoming Episode IX.Â
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s surely a done deal that Williams will return to helm the closer of the Sequel Trilogy, after working on The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. In fact, the composer hinted at as much while talking with Kusc.org recently, though his subsequent comment that it might be his final Star Wars score caught us a bit off guard.
“We know J.J. Abrams is preparing (Episode IX) now, that I will hopefully do next year for him. I look forward to it. It will round out a series of nine (films). That will be quite enough for me. Disney Studios probably will take it further. As you know, Disney has acquired the rights for Lucasfilm, and they will probably continue on through… decades, possibly, doing Star Wars-related attractions.”
Of course, fans have already been preparing for someone else to take over for Williams with the mainline films in the franchise. After all, both Anthology movies so far have had scores produced by other talented individuals – Rogue One by Michael Giacchino and Solo by John Powell – and at 86 years of age, Williams obviously won’t be working for too much longer.
Still, we’re a bit surprised to learn that Episode IX may be his last and certainly don’t envy the person who gets the job of following him as Star Wars‘ go-to composer. Williams is an absolute legend and he’ll be looking to nab yet another Oscar at tonight’s Academy Awards, as he’s nominated for his terrific score from Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi.
