Michael Giacchino Infuses Hope into ‘The Fantastic Four’ Score
Composer Michael Giacchino has crafted a score for the upcoming film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, steeped in themes of hope and nostalgia, a significant aspect of the film’s character dynamics. Collaborating closely with director Matt Shakman, Giacchino began developing the film’s musical identity even before filming commenced. The score is designed to reflect the unique tone of the film while resonating with the emotional journeys of its characters.
Giacchino showcased the film’s main theme during a performance at Comic-Con before any footage was shot, aiming to capture the essence of the characters and their adventures. He noted that the emotional core of The Fantastic Four stems from a sense of “nostalgic optimism,” reminiscent of the 1960s space race. “I imagined the theme to be a mashup of ‘The Right Stuff’ and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade,” he explained.
Musical Innovation and Character Connection
The score features a vibrant mix of triumphant horns, lively synths, sincere strings, and a powerful choir, which received an enthusiastic response from the Comic-Con audience. This feedback confirmed to Giacchino that he was on the right path to defining the film’s musical language. “We aimed to combine the earnest heroism of the space age with the celebratory sound of a family working together,” he stated.
In his creative process, Giacchino was not hesitant to embrace elements that might seem whimsical or light-hearted. He drew inspiration from Saturday morning cartoons, incorporating the choir’s playful singing of “FAN-TAS-TIC-FOUR” into the main theme. “I was a bit nervous the Marvel team might think I’d gone too far, but fortunately, they loved it,” he remarked, emphasizing its integration into the film’s DNA.
Giacchino was careful to establish a distinct sound for The Fantastic Four, avoiding any reliance on the big band style typical of his previous work on films like The Incredibles. He sought to create a unique musical identity for the characters and their story, envisioning a retro-futuristic timeline where technology and culture evolved differently.
Adapting the Score During Production
Once production began, Giacchino visited the set to further refine the score in line with the film’s visual aesthetic. He expressed admiration for the production design and costume teams, noting their cohesive vision. “Everyone was on the same page regarding the world Matt had envisioned,” Giacchino commented.
One notable track that emerged during the scoring process is “Let Us Be Devoured,” which plays during the film’s end credits. Collaborating with Andrea Datzman, who also worked on Inside Out 2, Giacchino crafted a folk song that welcomes the character Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, to proceed with his destructive intentions, regardless of the protests from the main characters, including Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (played by Vanessa Kirby).
As the film underwent editing, a sequence exploring differing reactions to Galactus’s arrival was ultimately cut, but Giacchino preserved the song for the credits. He praised Datzman’s storytelling abilities and highlighted the depth of the lyrics, which align closely with the film’s emotional arcs.
Ultimately, the score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps stands out among other entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to its playful spirit and emotional depth. Giacchino approaches each project by tapping into the characters’ emotions, creating a connection that resonates with audiences. “We all strive to find balance in our own lives,” he said, reflecting on the universal appeal of superhero narratives. “The music captures the human experience of trying to be who we’re meant to be.”
The film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, is currently playing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the unique blend of hope and heroism through Giacchino’s innovative score.
