TheStar Warssaga has been around for over 40 years, but even as it has moved between directors and even studios, it has held on toJohn Williams. He has scored everyStar Warsmovie except forClone Wars(Kevin Kiner),Rogue One(Michael Giacchino) andSolo(John Powellis doing the main score, but Williams is providing the theme), so it’s fitting that he’ll get to close out of the Skywalker Saga.Varietyreports viaFilm Music Reporterthat Williams is set to scoreJ.J. Abrams’Star Wars: Episode IX. “I would very much like to complete that,” Williams says.
Williams is slowing down a bit. While this year he composed scores forThe PostandStar Wars: The Last Jedi, in 2018 his focus will be on a fantasia instead of film with “Hollywood’s Ghost” for cellistYo-Yo Maand harpistJessica Zhouas part of the Leonard Bernstein Centennial. Then in 2019 he’ll go back into the studio to record the music forEpisode IX.
However, Williams, even at 85 years old, has no plans to retire. “I don’t think you can retire from writing,” he says. “I feel very lucky, and the work that I do doesn’t depend on much. If your vision’s still good, and your hands — I have no arthritis in my hands and I play the piano very easily — I don’t think there’s any reason to deprive oneself of the fun of working. Music is so rewarding.”
It’s impressive that Williams is still knocking it out of the park and has been doing so for so long. HisThe Last Jediscore is terrific, and I would love to see how he brings everything to a close withEpisode IX. And with frequent collaboratorSteven Spielbergworking a ferocious pace, I’m interested to see if Williams gets to work onThe Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortaraand/orIndiana Jones 5.
Star Wars: Episode IXis set to open August 22, 2025.
