Michael Giacchino Talks Scoring STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, Future Projects And More

The composer comments on the "darker" score for J.J. Abrams' Star Trek Into Darkness, creating the theme for Benedict Cumberbatch's villain (a snippet of which you can listen to here), and whether or not he'd be up to composing Star Wars: Episode VII.

By PaulRom - Apr 15, 2013 08:04 AM EST

Filed Under: Star Trek

Star Trek Into Darkness composer Michael Giacchino was recently performing at a "Star Trek Live" concert in Switzerland, and a Q&A session followed. He talks about the tone of his score for the J.J. Abrams-directed sequel, saying that it's "quite darker" and different from his work on the 2009 film. "It is a much darker film. I think [Star Trek 2009] has more of a sense of adventure going on, whereas [Into Darkness] is more of a sort of psychological danger that is happening behind the scenes. So the music is quite different. It is quite darker. It is more internal. It is not as celebratory as [Star Trek 2009] is in many moments. And the film itself speaks to themes of the world today–sort of the geopolitical situation in the world. And it also kind of leans heavily on what is happening in the world today to tell the story."

He also discusses creating the themes for certain characters, including Benedict Cumberbatch's John Harrison (Giacchino even plays a portion of the theme at the concert, and you can listen to it below) and possibly Peter Weller's Admiral Marcus. "It was really interesting to get inside the head of the new characters. Benedict Cumberbatch is in the film and he is amazing…In watching the film I was able to get so much out of his performance. The first piece of music I wrote for was his theme–the villain’s theme. And I’m not going to tell you who the villain is–because I’m not allowed…But watching his performance gave me an idea and I couldn’t wait to sit down and write his music for the movie.

"[In addition to the "bad guy" them] there is a new theme for a new character–this Admiral that is involved [Presumably Peter Weller's Admiral Marcus]. There is some unspecified aliens that make a appearance in the film [likely talking about Klingons] there are themes for them. There is a bunch of new stuff. "

In a separate interview with Owley.ch (thanks to Trek Movie for the translation), Giacchino also commented on some of his future projects, confirming his involvement with The Wachowskis' Jupiter Ascending and Brad Bird's Tomorrowland. "The next thing I’m working on is Jupiter Ascending, with the Wachowskis and then also Tomorrowland, with Brad Bird. I’m excited about both of them, because they are friends and it’ll be a lot of fun. Also, there is a project I cannot tell you about. And, a future Pixar thing. I can’t tell you about that either." Additionally, it has been heavily speculated that Giacchino will reteam with Abrams for Star Wars: Episode VII and take over from John Williams. But would the Star Trek composer be up for tackling such a challenge? "All I can tell you is that the thing, that excites me most about a new Star Wars film is the possibility of hearing new John Williams music. I would much rather hear John Williams’ Star Wars score than my music for Star Wars." For much more from Giacchino, click the source link below.

Star Trek Into Darkness stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve and Anton Yelchin. The film is set to hit theaters May 17th.

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6 Comments

Hellsing - 4/15/2013, 8:38 AM

I absolutely loved the score for the first movie, the main theme was just awesome. So looking forward to the score for this one.

ParisSun - 4/15/2013, 9:29 AM

The guy is a great composer. I loved his stuff from Lost.

themcdougalbugle - 4/15/2013, 11:45 AM

Good, John Williams can have his blessing and Abrams could work with Williams since we need Mr. Williams!!

G - 4/15/2013, 3:16 PM

@ Hellsing - 4/15/2013, 8:38 AM

I absolutely loved the score for the first movie, the main theme was just awesome.
------------------------------------------------------

I think he's overrated. Yes, the theme was good. But, when you watch the movie, pay attention.. it's really pretty much the ONLY theme in the movie.. played over and over and over and over and over again. Just at different tempos, and using different instrumentation. But, there was hardly ANY deviation from it, or any variation. Just that one theme, over and over and over again.

Michael Giacchino Talks Scoring STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, Future Projects And More

The composer comments on the "darker" score for J.J. Abrams' Star Trek Into Darkness, creating the theme for Benedict Cumberbatch's villain (a snippet of which you can listen to here), and whether or not he'd be up to composing Star Wars: Episode VII.

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