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.
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.
