Composer Michael Giacchino has crafted a score for the highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, that captures the essence of hope and optimism. This latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) showcases Giacchino’s ability to create distinct musical themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Remarkably, the composer began developing the film’s main theme even before shooting commenced, highlighting his unique approach to scoring.
Working closely with director Matt Shakman, Giacchino aimed to establish a sound that would not only complement the film’s tone but also enhance its character dynamics. He revealed that the emotional core of the score draws heavily from the optimism of the 1960s, a time when humanity was captivated by the space program. Giacchino expressed this sentiment in an interview, stating, “I imagined the theme to be a mashup of ‘The Right Stuff’ and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade.”
At Comic-Con, Giacchino debuted the film’s main theme, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans. “Their reaction encouraged us that we had found the musical language for our movie,” he noted. The score’s combination of triumphant horns, vibrant synths, and a lively choir aims to evoke a sense of earnest heroism, blending the celebratory sound of family with the adventure of superheroes.
Emphasizing the importance of originality, Giacchino was cautious not to lean too heavily on the big band sound familiar from his previous work on films like The Incredibles. He articulated the need for a unique musical path that reflects the retro-futuristic world the Fantastic Four inhabit. “The score needed to feel [like it] could only exist in the context of these characters and their story,” he explained.
As production progressed, Giacchino visited the set to further refine his score, absorbing the visual elements crafted by the production design and costume teams. He noted, “It was very apparent that everyone was on the same page,” underscoring the collaborative effort behind the film’s artistic vision.
One standout element of the score is the end credits song titled “Let Us Be Devoured.” This track emerged from Giacchino’s collaboration with composer Andrea Datzman and reflects a playful spirit infused with a sense of impending doom. The song embraces the character of Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, inviting him to destroy Earth despite the protests of the film’s heroes, including Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (played by Vanessa Kirby).
Giacchino shared insights about the song’s evolution during the editing process, revealing that an initial sequence exploring a cult-like acceptance of Galactus had been cut. However, the creative team decided to retain the song for the credits, ensuring its thematic significance remained intact. “Andrea is an incredible storyteller,” he praised, emphasizing the lyrical depth of the piece.
The score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps stands out not only for its instrumentation but also for its thematic richness. Giacchino believes that the challenge of scoring superhero films lies in capturing the tension between the mundane and the extraordinary. “Aren’t we all struggling to find that balance in our own lives?” he reflected, suggesting that the emotional struggles of the characters resonate on a universal level.
With its release now in theaters, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to offer audiences an engaging experience, marked by Giacchino’s hopeful and inventive musical landscape. The composer’s commitment to creating a score that is both unique and reflective of the characters’ journeys showcases his talent and passion for storytelling through music.
