Its very rare that a film’s composer is as well known as its stars. For Star Wars’ John Williams, he is definitely an exception to the rule. But just like for Harrison Ford, the Late Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and George Lucas, all good things must come to an end eventually.
It was announced on Wednesday morning that legendary Star Wars composer John Williams would not be returning to the franchise following Episode IX.
Williams has been the composer for Star Wars for all nine entries in the saga, dating all the way back to 1977 with the release of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. In an interview with KUSC radio he stated the following:
“We know J.J Abrams is preparing [Star Wars: Episode IX] now that I will hopefully do next year for him,” Williams said. “I look forward to it. It will round out a series of nine, that will be quite enough for me.”
While his time with the Star Wars series will be coming to an end, there is no word on his position regarding the other two newly revived franchises Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. Signs do seem to point that Williams may be retiring soon though.
Earlier this week, The Juilliard School of music revealed that the award winning conductor and composer would be giving the institution his complete library of concert music and film scores, as well as his sketchbooks.
As of 2018, Williams is currently 86 years old, and has been in the industry scoring films for over 60 years. So if anyone is due some well deserved r&r, it’s him.
Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled to release some time in 2019, set to Williams’ score. For more information, be sure to check back to the site for updates, as well as all of your other nerdy news and needs.