‘Rogue One’ Changes Tune

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will sound lot different than previous Star Wars films. Namely because, for the first time in series history, the score will not be composed by John Williams. The first Star Wars spin-off entry, directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), always had the intention that Oscar winning composer Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel) would work on the film. However, according to an exclusive over at The Hollywood Reporter, Desplat appears to be out and will be replaced by Michael Giacchino.

Reportedly, Desplat’s schedule didn’t work for Rogue One due to the recent, and quite publicly reported, reshoots put on the film. Those reshoots, particularly note of contention earlier this spring, were brought on, reportedly, to help bridge perceived tonal and storytelling divides between Edwards’ take and the one hoped for by Disney. The shift in scoring sessions would be a problem considering Desplat’s prolific career – this year alone he scored nine feature films including Florence Foster Jenkins, The Light Between Oceans and the upcoming American Pastoral. Throughout his career, Desplat has earned has earned eight Oscar nominations, winning for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Giacchino is certainly no less accomplished and already has Star Wars bonafides as he appeared as a Storm Tropper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Giacchino frequently collaborates with J.J. Abrams. He also has strong ties with Disney, having scored for Pixar animated titles (including Up, which won him an Oscar), Disney proper (Zootopia) and the upcoming Marvel entry Doctor Strange. While Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be the first Star Wars title to be John William-less, there’s little need to be sad. The iconoclast is expected to return for Star Wars: Episode VIII. Williams received his 50th Oscar nomination last year for scoring Star Wars: The Force Awakens. For Oscar aficionados out there, Williams is the second most nominated person in history, behind Walt Disney.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters on December 16th.