It has only been a few weeks since shooting wrapped on the much-anticipated sequel Star Wars: Episode VIII, but it sounds like an early cut of the movie is going to be ready soon. Composer John Williams told a capacity crowd that he would view this first cut over the course of the next few weeks, and that he'll begin scoring the movie as we head into September.
John Williams returned to Tanglewood to lead the Boston Pops this weekend. The legendary composer had to sit out last summer's concert due to a back injury. But he returned with some of his most memorable pieces of music from the Star Wars franchise. Though, in the spirit of the Olympics, he kicked things off with his "Olympic Fanfare and Theme" and "Song For World Peace." It was after a first-ever Tanglewood performance of "Rey's Theme" and "The Jedi Steps and Finale" from The Force Awakens that he told the crowd he was ready to finally take on Star Wars 8.
According to MassLive, Williams joked to the crowd that he did not yet know who Rey's parents are. He went onto explain that he accepted the offer to compose the music for Episode VIII because he was enchanted with Daisy Ridley's performance as Rey. Though there were rumors, some coming from the man himself, that he wouldn't return, Williams admits that he could not let another composer score Rey's scenes.
Throughout the night, John Williams also played some classic Star Wars music, including "Princess Leia's Theme,""The Asteroid Belt" and the iconic "Imperial March." He ended the night with the final piece of music from Star Wars: A New Hope's grand climax. All while scenes from the various movies played on a giant screen in the background. John Williams performed a total of 6 pieces of music from the Star Wars saga. He returned to the stage for an encore that included "Luke and Leia" from Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is written and directed by Rian Johnson. This highly anticipated sequel continues the storylines introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Coming back are cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis. New cast members will include Academy Award winner Benicio Del Toro, Academy Award nominee Laura Dern, and talented newcomer Kelly Marie Tran.
Star Wars: Episode VIII is produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Jason McGatlin, and Tom Karnowski. Joining the production crew will be some of the industry's top talent, including Steve Yedlin (Director of Photography), Bob Ducsay (Editor), Rick Heinrichs (Production Designer), Peter Swords King (Hair and Make-Up Designer), and Mary Vernieu (US Casting Director).
They will be joining returning crew members Pippa Anderson (Co-Producer, VP Post Production), Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Michael Kaplan (Costume Designer), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Chris Corbould (SFX Supervisor), Rob Inch (Stunt Coordinator), Ben Morris (VFX Supervisor), and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director). No story details have been released at this time. And none of the new characters have been announced. Star Wars: Episode VIII is scheduled for release December 15, 2017.