It certainly wouldn't be a STAR WARS movie without the music of John Williams threaded throughout, which is why this next bit of information… well, you knew it was coming. Williams will be back to score STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII for director Rian Johnson.
The 84-year-old composer confirmed as much over the weekend as he conducted the Boston Pops through many of his classics over the course of an evening at the Tanglewood Music Center.
Williams told the crowd he would begin work in a few weeks on the much-anticipated "Star Wars: Episode VIII" after seeing an early cut. (Sorry fanboys, Williams said he does not yet know who Rey's parents are.)
He said he accepted the invitation from Lucasfilm producer Kathleen Kennedy mainly because he was enchanted by actress Daisy Ridley's portrayal of Rey and does not want another composer scoring her scenes.
Williams certainly has had an amazing career, and STAR WARS is a major part of that. However, he doesn't have many films in him left at this late stage of his life with his output having slowed down in recent years as it is. Hopefully he'll get to cap off the core STAR WARS Saga between EPISODEs VIII and IX the way we'd like it to be, in order to put the finishing touches on his tremendous legacy. I can't even begin to imagine anyone else responsible for the sound of those pictures.
On a related note, I want to offer up my condolences to everyone in the STAR WARS family – cast, crew, fans and friends – as we lost a beloved member of the Galaxy over the weekend. Kenny Baker, who brought R2-D2 to life, passed away at the age of 81. His mark on many of our lives as a result of what he brought to the role cannot be understated, and he will always have a special place in my heart as one-half of that memorable droid duo. He will be missed.