Music is one of the most important parts of filmmaking. A score has the power to evoke emotions that’ll have you in stitches or tears, and there’s nothing more satisfying that a killer needle-drop. Even non-Marvel fans know that iconic opening song before each movie plays — the one that makes you sit up just a little straighter and your heart beat just a little faster.
D23 included a panel celebrating the music behind everyone’s favorite Marvel projects. ModeratorMichael Giacchino(Werewolf By Night, Fantastic Four: First Steps) askedChristophe Beck(Ant-Man, Frozen),Laura Karpman(Ms. Marvel, The Marvels),Kristen Anderson-LopezandBobby Lopez(Moana, WandaVision),Dave Jordan(Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy), andJustine von Winterfeldt(Hawkeye, What If…?) their favorite music from their own projects and beyond and giving us a sneak peek of where we can see their work next — some very, very soon.
The Group Shares Their Music Inspirations, From ‘Star Wars’ to ‘The Muppets’
Giacchino asked the group to share the projects that inspired them to get into music. von Winterfeldt creditsMoulin RougeandNow and Then, while Jordan citedJohn HughesandHarold and Maude. Beck reminisced about seeingStar Warsand wearing out the LP of the score and, on a more obscure note, shouted out a Canadian movie calledStrange Brew. He also notedBasic Instinctis admirable for its sense of economy — of being able to do a lot with a little.
Karpman highlighted another “Star” series withStar Trek,along withWonder Woman, as both had the kind of diversity and trailblazing attitude she needed to see back in the day. Bobby Lopez picks another famous franchise withGhostbustersandTopsy Turvy, while Kristen choseThe MuppetsandBugsy Malone.
The Panel Reminisces About Career Highlights, From ‘Iron Man’ to ‘Wandavision’
As far as their own careers go,Iron ManandBlack Pantherare highlights for Jordan for different reasons.Iron Manwas, of course, the start of the MCU as we know it, whileBlack Pantherwas a bonafide global phenomenon. Karpman remembered working onMs. Marvel— particularly the real history woven in with the Partition — and shouts out collaborating with South Asian musicians.
Beck shared a hilarious anecdote about working on the music forAnt-Man, as he went a little too far on the “weird” scale at first. The first theme was electronic-sounding — but it also sounded like you had broken speakers when you were listening to it.Eventually, they got it just right, and it remains one of the things he’s most proud of.He’s since tweaked his strategy from looking at music as a puzzle to simply letting himself feel it and having his emotions guide him.
Kristen Lopez likens the process to being like an architect, as you have to anticipate motifs and themes and build pillars around them. That was especially true withWandaVision. Kristen’s favorite song she’s worked on is the ‘80s theme song from the show, which Bobby chooses fan the favorite instant classic “Agatha All Along.”
‘Agatha All Along,’ ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Get Musical Updates
Speaking ofAgatha All Along, it only seemed right that the Lopezes would be involved with the show considering its namesake. Luckily, our dreams (and theirs!) are coming true, asthey, along with Beck, will be on the music team for the wickedly fun show. The two revealed they askedJac Schaefferwrite a song for the show when it was announced. Karpman is also “really, really, really” excited and proud to announce thatshe will be part ofCaptain America: Brave New World.
Fans were treated to a true treat, getting to listen to over three minutes of Giacchino’s Fantastic Fourscore — the theme in its entirely. Listen above. It’s brings the drama and futuristic feel alike, with the music sure to be out of this world.
Fantastic Four
One of Marvel’s most iconic families makes it back to the big screen, the Fantastic Four.
