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Tag: John Williams

D23 Announces 2024 Disney Legends Awards!

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D23 announces the line up for the 2024 Disney Legends award Honorees including Star Wars icons Harrison Ford, Frank Oz and John Williams. This is just another reason to make the trek to Anaheim this August for D23.

After a weekend of can’t-miss programming, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, will conclude on Sunday, August 11, with the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony. The Disney Legends Award honors artists and visionaries throughout the company’s history who have pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence. The ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

“To be named a Disney Legend is the highest honor our company can bestow on anyone, reserved for those whose talent and achievement have earned them an enduring place in our history,” said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “The fourteen individuals to be honored as Disney Legends this year have each made extraordinary creative contributions across the worlds of Disney and we look forward to celebrating them at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.”

This year’s honorees include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams. Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Top 40, as well as American Idol and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC, will host the 2024 Disney Legends Awards Ceremony that will be filled with heartwarming tributes to each of the honorees, along with special guests, performances, and a legendary production like no other.

The Disney Legends Awards program is a 37-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. The awards ceremony is just one of the many spectacular events fans can enjoy during the three-day D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August 2024.

Introducing the 2024 Disney Legends!

John Williams Officially Returning for ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’

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John Williams Wins Grammy

A few days ago our Bothan Spies reported that John Williams could possibly be returning to do some Star Wars related material. Well it seems they were right. Variety is reporting that Williams is coming back to compose the “musical signature” for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney Plus.

Williams has written the musical signature for the continuing adventures of the character played by Ewan McGregor, airing on Disney Plus beginning May 25. He recorded last week with a Los Angeles orchestra under tight security, sources say.

It is a coup for both Lucasfilm and Disney, considering the five-time Oscar winner rarely composes for television. His last theme for a weekly dramatic series was “Amazing Stories” in 1985, although he has written two for PBS series (“Masterpiece Theatre” in 2000, “Great Performances” in 2009), and his news and Olympics themes, written decades ago, continue to air on NBC.

Williams’ “Star Wars” scores are legendary. He won an Oscar for the original in 1977 and received nominations for five of the sequels (“The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” in 1980 and 1983, followed by “The Force Awakens,” “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker” in 2015, 2017 and 2019).

About Kenobi:

The story begins 10 years after the dramatic events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, in which Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat — the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side and became the evil Sith Lord, Darth Vader.

The series also marks the return of Hayden Christensen in the role of Darth Vader. Joining the cast are Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell, and Benny Safdie.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is executive-produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, and Joby Harold.

Is John Williams Coming Back for More Star Wars?

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John Williams Wins Grammy

From the moment it was released, we all thought that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker would be John Williams “swan song” to the franchise that he helped create. A new facebook post from Cecilia Tsan who is a Cellist at Hollywood Recording Studios, suggests that something could possibly be up.

Now take this with a huge grain of salt… According to her post, she was in studio with John Williams conducting, a new piece of music. The last time they were in the same room, they were working on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Now this could literally be anything, but there has been no announcement for the composer of the Kenobi series as of yet.

Keep in mind, if this is for Kenobi, it could be just the theme song for the series as well. Similar to his work with John Powell for Solo: A Star Wars Story.

With the demand for Williams’ work, this literally could be anything. Williams was recently interviewed by The New York Times, giving a little more information about what he is currently doing…

“I don’t particularly want to do films anymore, six months of life at my age is a long time.” In his next phase, he plans to focus more intensely on another passion: writing concert works.

This year, he will complete what he expects to be his final two films: “The Fabelmans,” loosely based on Spielberg’s childhood, and a fifth installment in the “Indiana Jones” series.

Williams said that he expected The Fabelmans would be the pair’s final film collaboration, though he added that it was hard to say no to Spielberg, whom he considers a brother. (Spielberg, for his part, said that Williams had promised to continue scoring his films indefinitely. “I feel pretty secure,” he said.)

We also have to remember that the Oscars are not too far off, and he sometimes has little pieces of music dropped in the show. Could it be for that? Could it be new Star Wars? Remember this is a huge guessing game, but just the thought of new John Williams Star Wars music is tantalizing.

Of course, leave your thoughts below. Let us know what you think about this new information.

LISTEN TO JOHN WILLIAMS’ THEME FOR STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE ONLINE

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In just a few weeks, Star Wars fans across the world will be traveling to Disneyland in California to blast off into a galaxy far, far away, when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens later this month (August for Disney World in Florida). As Disney is known to do, the company has pulled out all of the stops when creating an immersive new land inspired by the Star Wars franchise. We definitely understand that the buildings, the population general lived-in universe look are all important to making the experience immersive. But there is one key element that will bring all of that together, and that this is the oxygen of Star Wars – the music.

As we previously learned, John Williams, who has scored every film in the core Star Wars Skywalker saga, has returned to compose the music that will play in the background of your adventure at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. To get you hyped for the experience even more than you already are (if that is possible), Disney Music Vevo has released the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite online (which you can listen to above).

The track has everything you want from a Star Wars track minus the hints of classic themes from Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, or the Empire. In fact I don’t even hear the Resistance or First Order themes in the track. This is unique to itself, but very much Star Wars at the same time.

Check out the music above and let us know what you think by commenting in the comment section below, or on our various social media sites.

About Walt Disney World:

At Walt Disney World, you’ve got a whole fantastic world to celebrate in! With four spectacular theme parks and two water parks plus the most amazing shopping, dining and recreation magic imaginable, it’s no wonder all of life’s special moments are made even more enjoyable when you celebrate at Walt Disney World.

Solo Soundtracked Nixed from Academy Awards Nomination

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Han Solo

In a strange twist, the Solo: A Star Wars Story soundtrack that was nominated a few days ago for an Academy Award, has now been disqualified. The Mine Mission track on the soundtrack was nominated in the Best Instrumental Composition category.

“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” composed by John Powell with themes by John Williams, was nixed by the board as having been entered too late for the competition (deadline was Nov. 15).

I guess the soundtrack could be on the ballot for next year. If it was good enough to be nominated this year, then certainly it should be good enough for next.

John Williams was also nominated in the Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media category, for his Star Wars: The Last Jedi soundtrack. That one is still in the running for an Academy Award.

Note: If you purchase one of the awesome products featured above, we earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.

About Solo: A Star Wars Story:

A Star Wars Story: Solo: A Star Wars Story, or simply Solo, is a 2018 American space western film based on Star Wars character Han Solo. Directed by Ron Howard and produced by Lucasfilm, it is the second Star Wars anthology film following Rogue One (2016). Alden Ehrenreich stars as Han Solo alongside Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany. The plot takes place approximately ten years prior to the events of A New Hope, and explores the early adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, who join a heist within the criminal underworld and meet a young Lando Calrissian.

Big Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Update Including a Preview of John Williams Music!

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At today’s D23’s Destination D event that was held at the Disney World Resort, some big reveals were released pertaining to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge by Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek. We get news of two rides that will be at the park including Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The biggest news might be the above video, which features our first listen to music composed for the park by the legendary John Williams.

You can also check out our first look at Hondo Ohnaka via concept art below. Apparently in the new ride Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, Chewbacca and Hondo will be your guide as guests take on the role of flight crew for the ride. If you aren’t familiar with the character, Ohnaka made occasional appearances in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Hondo was voiced by Jim Cummings.

Here is a preview of the new ride…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssgGCjpFP4Q

Another ride Disney guests can expect in the upcoming Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge park will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Not much was revealed about this one, but it seems that the Resistance appears out of hyperspace surprising the First Order aboard one of their ships. Again, check out the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSxE-b2YDAQ

About Walt Disney World:

At Walt Disney World, you’ve got a whole fantastic world to celebrate in! With four spectacular theme parks and two water parks plus the most amazing shopping, dining and recreation magic imaginable, it’s no wonder all of life’s special moments are made even more enjoyable when you celebrate at Walt Disney World.

John Williams Back for Solo: A Star Wars Story – Sort of…

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John Williams Wins Grammy

It seems as if John Williams will be back for his ninth Star Wars film, although not fully composing the score. Variety is reporting that Williams will be composing the main “theme” for Solo: A Star Wars Story, but veteran composer John Powell will be doing the rest of the score.

If you recall, Powell was named the composer for the movie back in July. Out of all 10 Star Wars movies (counting Solo), the only film that Williams has not been involved in, was 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which was composed by Michael Giacchino.

“The present plan is that I’m writing a theme for Han Solo, and John Powell is going to write the score, which he’ll do brilliantly. What I will do is offer this to John, and to [director] Ron Howard, and if all parties are happy with it, then I will be happy. John [Powell] will complete the score. He will write all the rest of the themes and all of the other material, which I’m going to be very anxious to hear.”

Does this change your mind about the direction of the film? Leave your thoughts in the normal places…

About the Han Solo Film:

The upcoming Han Solo film will be directed by Ron Howard, and will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Woody Harrelson as Garris Shrike (unconfirmed). The movie hits theaters May 25, 2018.

John Williams Wins Grammy for The Force Awakens!

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John Williams Wins Grammy

John Williams added to his large trophy collection by taking home a Grammy for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens soundtrack.  The Grammy came in the Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media category. Other nominees that Williams competed against were Bridge Of Spies, Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, The Revenant, Stranger Things Volume 1, and Stranger Things Volume 2.

Congratulations John Williams!

About Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Starring original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker and franchise newcomers, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong’o and Max von Sydow, Star Wars Episode VII is now available on Blu-ray, Digital, and DVD.  You can purchase your copy at Amazon.com.

UPDATED – John Williams to Start Work on Episode 8 Soon!

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John Williams

UPDATE – We are not perfect, and sometimes we get a few things wrong, but when we do, we will own up to it.  This unfortunately, is one of those times.  It seems we jumped the gun a little bit on this one, and didn’t do proper fact-checking before posting.  A new youtube video, showcases what John Williams actually said during the concert.  Apparently he has seen some of the footage, but nowhere during the performance did he indicate that he would be starting work soon.

John Williams speech

 

If you are jonesing for any and all information concerning Star Wars Episode 8, then I have a bit of new for you!  According to a new tweet from Jake McCartney, who attended Tanglewood, the composer confirmed that he would be starting work on Episode 8 in few weeks.  Tanglewood is a music venue in the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. It has been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937.

I for one cannot wait for another round of Star Wars music from John Williams.  I truly hope that he stays on board for the ninth film.  This will leave a treasure trove of musical queues for future Star Wars composers to work with.

 

About Star Wars: Episode VIII:

Star Wars: Episode VIII hits North American theaters on December 15, 2017.  Directed by Rian Johnson and starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, and more!  Music will be composed by John Williams.

The Force Awakens Soundtrack Debuts at #5 on the Billboard top 200!

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The Force Awakens Soundtrack

Not only has Star Wars: The Force Awakens taken the box office by storm, but John Williams’ brilliant soundtrack for the movie is taking the Billboards by storm as well!  You can grab your copy of the soundtrack right now on Amazon for a mere $12.29!

You can find the press release below:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Original Motion Picture Soundtrack From Oscar®-Winning Composer John Williams Debuts At No. 5 On The Billboard 200 Chart

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The original motion picture soundtrack for the record-breaking Star Wars: The Force Awakens, featuring new score conducted and composed by five-time Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams, has entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 5, scanning over 100,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The last and only all-score soundtrack to debut in the Top 5 was Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 1999.

The album is No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack and Overall Classical Charts; at iTunes, peaked at No. 1 on the Soundtrack chart and No. 3 on the Overall Album chart; and at Amazon, the album is No. 1 on the Soundtrack chart and No. 2 on the Overall Digital Album chart.  Additionally, the album has over 10.3M streams on Spotify.

From Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has broken numerous box office records, most recently becoming the fastest film to reach $1 billion globally, a feat it accomplished in 12 days with over $540 million domestically and$550 million internationally. It posted the biggest debut in industry history with $248 milliondomestically and $529 million globally in its first weekend, as well as the biggest second weekend of all time domestically with $149.2 million.

Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ ubiquitous Star Wars “Main Title” theme has become part of popular culture since it was first heard accompanying Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.  It is no surprise that Williams’ orchestral compositions for Star Wars are among the most beloved and recognizable themes in cinematic history, from the classic “Main Title” theme introduced in Star Wars: A New Hope to the ominous “Imperial March” from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back to the stirring “Duel of the Fates” from the prequel trilogy.

After creating the scores for all six of the previous Star Wars films, Williams returns to compose and conduct his signature sweeping music for The Force Awakens.

Williams, whose career spans over six decades, has won five Academy Awards® and he has scored some of the most popular and critically acclaimed films of all time, includingJaws, the Indiana Jones franchise, the first three Harry Potter films, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Lincoln, Schindler’s List, and countless others.

The soundtrack for Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now available wherever music is sold (http://smarturl.it/swtfa).

Enjoy Star Wars on repeat with the new official Star Wars radio on Apple Music Radio now. All Star Wars music on repeat, 24 hours a day: http://smarturl.it/starwarsradio.

Spotify is matching Star Wars fans’ character-inspired playlists based on their music tastes. Users and non-users alike can be matched up with a character playlist by going to http://smarturl.it/SWTFASpotifyMatch.

For more information on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, please visithttp://www.theforceawakens.com.  For more information on Walt Disney Records’releases, like us on Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us atTwitter.com/disneymusic.  For more information on Disney Music Emporium, please visitDisneyMusicEmporium.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusicemporium or follow us at Twitter.com/DisneyMusicEmp.

SOURCE Walt Disney Records

AMA Features First Scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and More!

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With 24 days left (as of this writing) until Star Wars: The Force Awakens is released to fans around the world, Lucasfilm and Disney have been on a advertising rampage with the film.  This trend continued at last night’s American Music Awards, as Jennifer Lopez introduced a full clip from the film to the world.

The scene featured Rey and Finn trying to escape the devastating weapons being unleashed upon them from TIE Fighters in the sky.  After the clip was revealed, Harrison Ford walked on stage to introduce an orchestra and the band Pentatonix, as they preformed a wonderful tribute to John Williams’ classic Star Wars theme.

Check it out in the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWIsWUzoqj4

 

About Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Starring original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker and franchise newcomers, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong’o and Max von Sydow, Star Wars Episode VII is set to be released on December 18th, 2015.