Star Wars: John Williams to write Han Solo movie theme

How to Train Your Dragon's John Powell will compose the rest of the film's score

With the backstage drama leaving Star Wars fans a little nervous about the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lucasfilm has locked in a legend of the franchise.

Variety reports John Williams will compose the theme for the film, while John Powell will take on duties of writing the film’s score, as previously announced. This will only be the second time Williams hasn’t scored a Star Wars film, with Michael Giacchino stepping in for Rogue One.

It makes sense, however, that Lucasfilm would want to enlist Williams when creating something unique, and as memorable as possible, for such an iconic character. Indeed, Han Solo never had a specific theme of his own in the original trilogy, not in the way Luke or Leia did.

During an interview about his score for The Last Jedi, Williams confirmed: “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.”

“His assignment is something I’m very happy about,” he continued. “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.”

Powell was nominated for an Oscar in 2010 for his score for How to Train Your Dragon; his other work includes the Bourne franchise, United 93, Ferdinand, Happy Feet, and Rio.

Solo: A Star Wars Story hits UK cinemas 25 May 2018.

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