Star Wars: Starfighter Taps Thomas Newman for Original Score, Steering Clear of Skywalker Saga Themes
Director Shawn Levy has confirmed that the upcoming standalone Star Wars film, Starfighter, will feature a completely original score by the acclaimed composer Thomas Newman, deliberately avoiding any remixes of John Williams’ iconic themes.
Newman, a prolific composer with 15 Academy Award nominations and wins for Emmy, Grammy, and BAFTA awards, is known for his work on films like American Beauty, The Shawshank Redemption, and the James Bond installments Skyfall and Spectre. His involvement signals a bold new sonic direction for the Star Wars universe.
Speaking on the On Film… with Kevin McCarthy podcast, Newman described the musical approach as “classically inspired” but distinct from the established Skywalker Saga motifs. This aligns with Levy’s vision for Starfighter to be a fresh adventure, set five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, focusing on a new narrative and characters.
A New Musical Identity for a New Era
Levy explained his deliberate choice to seek out a composer who could craft new themes rather than relying on existing ones. “I knew that I needed a big-hearted movie score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn’t shy away from themes,” Levy stated. He reached out to Newman, who enthusiastically agreed after reviewing the script and Levy’s vision.
The film stars Ryan Gosling as the central character, alongside Flynn Gray as his nephew. Matt Smith and Mia Goth are set to play the villains, with Simon Bird also in the cast. Early set photos have offered glimpses of Gosling and Gray in character, hinting at the film’s distinct aesthetic.
Star Wars: Starfighter is positioned as a standalone story, not directly tied to the Skywalker Saga’s chronology or thematic elements. This creative freedom extends to its musical score, promising a unique auditory experience for fans.
Why This Matters
The decision to move away from John Williams’ legendary themes is a significant one for the Star Wars franchise. While Williams’ music is inextricably linked to the saga’s identity, this move by director Shawn Levy and composer Thomas Newman signals a commitment to forging a new path for future Star Wars stories. It allows Starfighter to stand on its own, establishing its own emotional core and thematic identity without the weight of legacy music. This approach could pave the way for other standalone projects to develop their own distinct sonic landscapes, fostering greater creative diversity within the expansive Star Wars universe.
Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.
This story was based on reporting from IGN. Read the full report here.
