Will Hans Zimmer Score Superman?

[El Payaso]

Neal Hefti's bat-theme was an addition that was strongly associated to Batman for decades so I guess they souldn't have gotten rid of that either. And Raimi should have re-used the 1967 cartoon's Spiderman theme since it was heavily connected to the character. In fact Williams should have stuck to the 1942 Superman cartoon's theme! It was an addition!

 

[Dark Knight]

Hey, this means Giacchino might have a shot at scoring this gig huh?

Hope he is considered.

 

[The Guard]

And Raimi should have re-used the 1967 cartoon's Spiderman theme since it was heavily connected to the character.

He did.

 

[JamalYIgle]

He did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7912LZ_OPws

 

[Superark]

honestly speaking........... John William's score of Superman... is kinda corny. I love the music, but it doesn't work nowadays

AGREED!

I really don't get some of the people around here.

Why would the use of the John Williams march hinder your enjoyment of a new Superman movie? Sure, it will remind you of the Donner films, but ANYTHING in a new Superman movie will remind you of those movies, unless they change EVERYTHING.

Should we also get rid of the cape, because it was in the Donner films? Should we get rid of Lois Lane? the Daily Planet?

Granted that music was created with and for the Donner films, but EVERY element of Superman was created at some point by some comic, t.v., movie, etc.. Should have Superman's ability to fly been cut out of the Donner films because it would remind people of the May 1943 issue of action comics? Should Lex Luthor no longer be Superman's arch-nemisis because it will remind people of Action Comics #23?

The John Williams theme was an addition to the character, to Superman, that should stick. Just like every other addition to character that has stuck should have stuck. It was better when Superman was given the power to fly. It was better when Lex Luthor became an evil corporate businessman in the late 80's.

People, using the Williams theme will work in a new movie. I have failed to hear any good arguments why it won't.

I mean when I hear Monty Norman's James Bond theme, I don't automatically think of Sean Connery and the 007 films he starred in. I think James Bond.

It's the same with Williams theme. I think "Superman" when I hear it, not Richard Donner's film.

 

[ALP]

I mean when I hear Monty Norman's James Bond theme, I don't automatically think of Sean Connery and the 007 films he starred in. I think James Bond.

It's the same with Williams theme. I think "Superman" when I hear it, not Richard Donner's film.

I imagine when most people hear it they do think Christopher Reeve. The theme has only been used in the Donner-verse, no?

As much as I hate repetition:

Bond's theme is more connected to him than the William's theme is to Superman. Bond's theme is in the James Bond video games, the James Bond shaver commercials, even the James Bond heineken commercials used the theme, etc. Every single media of James Bond has used the main theme for the past 40 years. This is not at all the case with Superman. The Lois and Clark show, Smallville, certain Superman video games, and the successful Superman TAS all completely lacked the Williams theme. More than enough proof that it is not a necessity.

 

[Superark]

I imagine when most people hear it they do think Christopher Reeve. The theme has only been used in the Donner-verse, no?

I would disagree. I've never once heard someone mention Christopher Reeve when they hear that theme. They always say Superman. That's what they think of. You see plenty of Superman audible b-day, father's day, etc. cards with a comic drawing of Superman (Not Reeve) on the front and when you open it up you hear the Williams Superman theme.

As much as I hate repetition:

Bond's theme is more connected to him than the William's theme is to Superman. Bond's theme is in the James Bond video games, the James Bond shaver commercials, even the James Bond heineken commercials used the theme, etc. Every single media of James Bond has used the main theme for the past 40 years. This is not at all the case with Superman. The Lois and Clark show, Smallville, certain Superman video games, and the successful Superman TAS all completely lacked the Williams theme. More than enough proof that it is not a necessity.

Again, I disagree. The Williams theme, which is by far the most popular, has been around for over 30 years and, like any theme or characteristic of a character, it becomes even more associated with Superman.

But let's take a look at the 3 most popular (and by that I mean ratings/viewership and length) screen incarnations: STM, L&Clark, and Smallvile.

STM, obviously the Williams theme. It was memorable and beloved to the point Zimmer said it's like Beethoven's 9th. Instantly relates to Superman.

L&C had an ok theme for tv incarnation but was it honestly memorable? How many people would even recognize it if it played?

Smallville doesn't even have a Superman/hero theme.

I'm not going to even mention TAS or video games because they weren't viewed enough with by the GA and were geared towards kids.

 

[El Payaso]

Yeah, Bond has had just one theme whereas Superman has had many. Williams is Donner's franchise Superman theme.

 

[ALP]

I would disagree. I've never once heard someone mention Christopher Reeve when they hear that theme. They always say Superman. That's what they think of. You see plenty of Superman audible b-day, father's day, etc. cards with a comic drawing of Superman (Not Reeve) on the front and when you open it up you hear the Williams Superman theme.

And we both know quite well that the general audience pictures Christopher Reeve when speaking of Superman.

Again, I disagree. The Williams theme, which is by far the most popular, has been around for over 30 years and, like any theme or characteristic of a character, it becomes even more associated with Superman.

But let's take a look at the 3 most popular (and by that I mean ratings/viewership and length) screen incarnations: STM, L&Clark, and Smallvile.

STM, obviously the Williams theme. It was memorable and beloved to the point Zimmer said it's like Beethoven's 9th. Instantly relates to Superman.

L&C had an ok theme for tv incarnation but was it honestly memorable? How many people would even recognize it if it played?

Smallville doesn't even have a Superman/hero theme.

I'm not going to even mention TAS or video games because they weren't viewed enough with by the GA and were geared towards kids.

I am not giving an opinion to be agreed or disagreed with. I am presenting facts:

Superman has existed in numerous forms of media and each one has utilized a different theme. Television, cinema, video games.

James Bond has existed in numerous forms of media and every one of them has utilized the exact same theme. 22 films, video games, and even beer commercials.

Since his on screen conception in 1962, James Bond has had the exact same theme(for 22 films ad verbatim).

Now we have the facts out of the way, okay? So here's my opinion. If the Williams theme is used, will I be upset? Not in the slightest. But anyone saying the theme is necessary is simply wrong because Superman has existed in numerous forms of media without...which proves he does not need it. Isn't that show Smallville going on 10 seasons or more? Yet the Williams theme is no where to be found. Why? Because it is not necessary. You pointing out whether or not the theme from TAS or Smallville is memorable or not is completely irrelevant. It's merely the fact that Superman can exist without Williams' march.

 

[Sawyer]

Hey, this means Giacchino might have a shot at scoring this gig huh?

Hope he is considered.

I would hope, but I think the guy is pretty busy, sadly.

 

[Superark]

And we both know quite well that the general audience pictures Christopher Reeve when speaking of Superman.


I am not giving an opinion to be agreed or disagreed with. I am presenting facts:

Superman has existed in numerous forms of media and each one has utilized a different theme. Television, cinema, video games.

James Bond has existed in numerous forms of media and every one of them has utilized the exact same theme. 22 films, video games, and even beer commercials.

Since his on screen conception in 1962, James Bond has had the exact same theme(for 22 films ad verbatim).

Now we have the facts out of the way, okay? So here's my opinion. If the Williams theme is used, will I be upset? Not in the slightest. But anyone saying the theme is necessary is simply wrong because Superman has existed in numerous forms of media without...which proves he does not need it. Isn't that show Smallville going on 10 seasons or more? Yet the Williams theme is no where to be found. Why? Because it is not necessary. You pointing out whether or not the theme from TAS or Smallville is memorable or not is completely irrelevant. It's merely the fact that Superman can exist without Williams' march.

I'm not denying the fact there been other Superman themes. I'm debating your point about the theme being strictly related to the Donner/Reeve instead of the character of Superman. I pointed out it's popularity versus the other themes to show that to most people, that is Superman's theme to them

I honestly don't even have a big issue if they don't use it, although I prefer they keep it and do something similiar to what Casino Royale did with the Bond theme. I do think the argument however to change it because people will relate it to Donner's film is silly. If someone wants to change it simply because they want to hear something new, that's fine.

 

[NotFadeAway]

Hey, this means Giacchino might have a shot at scoring this gig huh?

Hope he is considered.

Get Giacchino. Thats my dream Superman composer.

 

[Alonsovich]

If all composers of the romanticism/modern era had thought that Beethoven's 9th was impossible to surpass we would've never heard Brahms', Mahler's, Bruckner's or Shostakovich's Symphonies... or Wagner's Nibelung Quadrilogy or many other music that goes well beyond and further than Beethoven's 9th. In music there are also cycles, and those come to an end sooner or later.

 

[El Payaso]

If all composers of the romanticism/modern era had thought that Beethoven's 9th was impossible to surpass we would've never heard Brahms', Mahler's, Bruckner's or Shostakovich's Symphonies... or Wagner's Nibelung Quadrilogy or many other music that goes well beyond and further than Beethoven's 9th. In music there are also cycles, and those come to an end sooner or later.

I agree. Thank God not every musician thinks like Zimmer.

 

[DorkyFresh]

just read that he's not doing the score...



...MAJOR bummer! i was dammed excited too...

 

[solidsnake86]

Now we have the facts out of the way, okay? So here's my opinion. If the Williams theme is used, will I be upset? Not in the slightest. But anyone saying the theme is necessary is simply wrong because Superman has existed in numerous forms of media without...which proves he does not need it. Isn't that show Smallville going on 10 seasons or more? Yet the Williams theme is no where to be found. Why? Because it is not necessary. You pointing out whether or not the theme from TAS or Smallville is memorable or not is completely irrelevant. It's merely the fact that Superman can exist without Williams' march.

This I still don't see how people completely ignore this. Not saying you superark, but when the talk goes to how the williams theme was used more then elfman's batman theme it is simply untrue. To me, the williams theme isn't necessary and I think this time around they will avoid using it.

 

[Superark]

This I still don't see how people completely ignore this. Not saying you superark, but when the talk goes to how the williams theme was used more then elfman's batman theme it is simply untrue. To me, the williams theme isn't necessary and I think this time around they will avoid using it.

Don't you patronize me man. J/K

But in all seriousness, the theme is not a neccssity, just like Bond's theme isn't truly a neccessity. If someone can come along an make a great theme, by all means do it, though I doubt there will ever be better Superman theme than Williams, and frankly there isn't a better Hero theme than Williams score IMO.

To me Williams score is Superman's theme, not Donner's and not Reeve's theme. I think often times fanboys (I use that term affectionately) apply their their thought process to the way the general public thinks about subject and forget that the GA does not put the kind of thought into matters the way we do.

 

[stargazer]

yeah, no doubt that Williams IS the number 1 composer of the modern age.

Epic composer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4&feature=player_embedded



Glad Zimmer agrees. IMO, the Nolan batman movie scores are not memorable.

 

[Kal-El Fan]

The only reason that Williams' theme is not used for everything, is that there are legalities preventing it. If everyone could use it, I'm sure they would. In fact it was the theme of the Ruby Spears Superman cartoon from the 80's and it has been used on Smallville, for which they got their hands proverbially slapped.

ALL Superman themes since Superman: The Movie have tried to emulate that theme to varying degrees of success.

 

[DorkyFresh]

i'm watching the Fleischer cartoons as of this and the main theme is playing as i type this. yeah...sounds NOTHING like William's Superman theme, yet it sounds exactly like a Superman theme would. this means that you CAN associate a differing theme to Superman as long as it has some key elements, which is that it should sound positive, bold, heroic, and glorious.

personally, i think that if they want to differentiate this Superman and propose this as a new take on him without any ties to previous movies or shows other than the obvious, then it only makes sense that they would create a new score with no melodies from Williams' theme. i would actually prefer this...

...at the same time, if someone like Giaccino ends up doing the score then there's a slight possibility that he might do what he did with Star Trek and create his own theme while including hints of Williams' theme. i would actually like to see this as well.

it really just depends on what the filmmakers agree on. you can bet your comic collection, though, they will not be using a carbon copy of Williams' theme, ala Superman Returns.

 

[El Payaso]

To me Williams score is Superman's theme, not Donner's and not Reeve's theme.I think often times fanboys (I use that term affectionately) apply their their thought process to the way the general public thinks about subject and forget that the GA does not put the kind of thought into matters the way we do.

Is it just me but you just did something and then critizised other people for doing it?

It's nice and cool that for you the Williams's theme is Superman beyond Donner's movies. But reality is that it was done just for Donner's movies.

 

[KalMart]

Zimmer....interesting...but unsurprising at the same time. If Snyder will be going for some dark and bombastic themes/images, they pretty-much got the go-to guy for the music.

I also hope that the score will be completely original and not use any of Williams' stuff. If for nothing else but to complete the picture in terms of a new/original take altogether, and giving the new film its own identity throughout.

Plus....just the thought of Zimmer doing Williams....it's like Metallica doing the Rolling Stones. Both have their upsides in their own right....but....no.

 

[NeoRanger]

Should I point out that the new movie needs a good score more than it does a theme, or am I going to get lynched for being unholly? I think it's essential everything from the Donner films should be dropped to make the reboot effective. I also think that the theme will be in some way featured in the film.

But both are moot points, folks. When was the last time you saw a blockbuster featuring an actual theme? You need a fitting score to dress your film, not just slap a theme you're fond of just 'cause. Case in point, Superman-freaking-Returns! The ENTIRE score borrows at least SOME portion of Williams' theme! Yay, creativity!

I sing the theme when I think of Superman. Just like I hum Shirley's Walker Batman theme when I think of that character. But that's as far as it goes.

 

[KalMart]

Should I point out that the new movie needs a good score more than it does a theme, or am I going to get lynched for being unholly? I think it's essential everything from the Donner films should be dropped to make the reboot effective. I also think that the theme will be in some way featured in the film.

But both are moot points, folks. When was the last time you saw a blockbuster featuring an actual theme? You need a fitting score to dress your film, not just slap a theme you're fond of just 'cause. Case in point, Superman-freaking-Returns! The ENTIRE score borrows at least SOME portion of Williams' theme! Yay, creativity!

I sing the theme when I think of Superman. Just like I hum Shirley's Walker Batman theme when I think of that character. But that's as far as it goes.

Funny you mention that...because what i like about Williams' work on Superman is more about the overall score and how it worked throughout the film, moreso than the actual 'theme' or main hook/fanfare. the identifiabiilty of the main 'theme' is just the gravy.

But I'm kind of with you that a new Supes movie doesn't necessarily need a benchmark fanfare. But at the same time...I don't really see it being in need of a good score any more or less than any other movie, for that matter. I just hope it's done as well as it can be for that particular movie.....be it more thematic or atmospheric. Sure, one could argue that the Superman character's ideals and such are a bit more clear and simply defined than, say, Batman or Wolverine, etc....and that a thematic/melodic score could more aptly reflect that. But if this Superman movie is a more action-driven momentum piece that could benefit more from say, a more percussive and driving/rhythmic score...then so be it....it shouldn't be obligated to shoe-horn in a signature melody just because it's Superman.

 

[NeoRanger]

Funny you mention that...because what i like about Williams' work on Superman is more about the overall score and how it worked throughout the film, moreso than the actual 'theme' or main hook/fanfare. the identifiabiilty of the main 'theme' is just the gravy.

I don't disagree, but I wasn't referring to Williams' score in the Donner films. Instead, I was talking about Ottman's score that just used portions of the main theme one-too-many-times, incapable of breaking away from it enough to cater to the the needs of its own film.