the most iconic franchise of all time. It is everywhere people go all across the world. From its iconic characters to the story of the films themselves, it will be something enjoyed by people for generations to come just like it has been enjoyed by generations past. One of its most iconic features though is without a doubt its iconic score by the legendary John Williams.
The Rise Of Skywalker will be the brilliant composer's last venture into the galaxy far, far away and a new era for the franchise will ensue following. With Disney moving on to create more stories for Star Wars in film and television, it is imperative they carefully select who scores each of these projects. Here are 10 composers who could do a great job at following up on Williams' work in Star Wars.
One Of The Gregson-Williams Brothers
Harry and Rupert Gregson-Williams have carved out good careers for themselves over the years. Harry has done some great video game scores in Metal Gear Solid and Call Of Duty as well as films like Aquaman.
The two separately, or even together, may be able to create a fantastic track for a Star Wars film. Rupert especially has done a range of brilliant movie scores that can be slow and intense or quick and fitting for blockbusters.
Alexandre Desplat
Lucasfilm already knows of Desplat's immense talent considering he was originally slated as the composer for Rogue One before reshoots shifted the film's focus. With films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, there is no denying his brilliance.
Desplat knows how to do Harry Potter, and the composer is on record as idolizing John Williams; should he mix this talent with more grounded realism and symbolism, there is no limit to its potential.
Alan Menken
Definitely an unorthodox choice for a franchise like Star Wars, however, Alan Menken is The Little Mermaid.
The immediate thought is, of course, Menken would excel more at an animated Star Wars picture, like The Clone Wars but more personal and less full of action, and also of better quality. Menken could take this into a live-action flick too, however it would probably be limited to a more child-centric affair given his skillset.
Howard Shore
A brilliant composer, Howard Shore has won four Oscars from five nominations in his career, two wins for 'best original score,' two wins for 'best original song,' and three of those wins coming from his legendary work in Lord Of The Rings.
By way of his work on Lord Of The Rings alone, it is not hard to imagine Shore scoring a similarly epic Star Wars adventure whether it be an individual film or even trilogy. The old republic era that fans are so craving springs to mind as something for Shore to put his brilliant musical talent to use on.
Mark Griskey
A veteran video game composer, Mark Griskey has done a lot of Star Wars work in the past in Jedi Starfighter, both Force Unleashed games and the MMORPG epic The Old Republic.
There are many talented video game composers, some who have even worked in Star Wars, like Jeremy Soule (but given current goings-on with the acclaimed musician he did not get a place on the list), but perhaps none more so than Griskey who gives brilliant scores to every Star Wars game he is involved in and should he venture perhaps into Disney+ original Star Wars movies then there is no doubt he could provide a great traditional-esque Star Wars sound with his personal twist.
Alan Silvestri
Another composer with a wide array of fantastic scores, from his Oscar nomination for fit well in a Star Wars picture.
Silvestri's work in the Avengers shows his ability to work in the confines of huge, ensemble blockbusters under the Disney banner and deliver iconic themes and beautiful music. Silvestri has proven he can do action films like Lilo And Stitch, and an array of other genres that equips him well to tackle any Star Wars story that comes up.
Danny Elfman
A frequent collaborator with Tim Burton, and a Spider-Man and excellent scores for films such as Milk.
Star Wars will start branching out through various genres and stories in the post-Skywalker saga landscape, and should a story arise with a narrative that's weird and wonderful, and the potential to be something interesting and of high quality, Elfman would fit right in.
Ennio Morricone
One of the most iconic film composers in history and one who has created some massively influential themes, there is no doubting the talent Ennio Morricone could bring to a Star Wars film. From The Thing, and of course, as the greatest western movie composer of all time, Morricone would be a great choice.
Should Star Wars venture to the dessert planets on the outer rim and perhaps follow a bounty hunter in the spirit of The Mandalorian, there is no doubt Morricone could deliver an award-worthy score. If Lucasfilm creates a film that is a western set in the galaxy far, far away then there is no better candidate to create the music than the legendary Morricone. Morricone did retire over a year ago but sometimes that never lasts in Hollywood. However, given his age, it is likely just a pipe dream to have him compose again.
Hans Zimmer
One of the best working composers of film music today, or ever, for that matter, Hans Zimmer would create a beautifully thrilling score for a Star Wars film. From his work on The Dark Knight to any of his eleven Oscar-nominated creations, Zimmer has had a colossal successful career through all types of film.
Whether Star Wars goes a mind-bending sci-fi-esque route, or follows a darker, grittier narrative, doesn't make any difference. No matter what comes Zimmer has proven his ability to craft gorgeous music for any genre, in any way required, and so, should Star Wars deliver a well-crafted story with huge potential, Zimmer would be a perfect composer to take over from Williams.
Kevin Kiner
An unexpected choice for number one, but one that is deserved, Kevin Kiner has proved both his worth and talent within the Star Wars confines. Kiner's work on both Rebels is fantastic and, in his own right, he has created some iconic pieces for both shows, such as Ahsoka and Anakin from Rebels season two.
Kiner found a brilliant balance of the traditional themes of Williams and his talent fit both shows beautifully. With The Clone Wars season seven fast approaching fans will once again be treated to Kiner's music and should there be another animated Star Wars film, or one which follows heroes from either The Clone Wars or Rebels, Disney would be wise to make Kiner top priority in the music department.
