Composer Michael Giacchino has embraced the spirit of hope in his latest score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, which premiered in theaters recently. Notably, Giacchino began crafting the film’s music before any scenes were filmed, aiming to set a distinctive tone that reflects the film’s character dynamics and overarching themes.
Collaborating closely with Matt Shakman, the director, Giacchino focused on establishing a sound that captures the essence of the Fantastic Four. He drew inspiration from the nostalgia of the 1960s, a time characterized by optimism and the excitement of space exploration. “I imagined the theme to be a mashup of ‘The Right Stuff’ and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade,” Giacchino shared. This blend of influences aimed to create an atmosphere that resonates with both adventure and familial warmth.
At Comic-Con, Giacchino unveiled the film’s main theme, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The score features a combination of triumphant horns, lively synths, and a dynamic choir, elements that Giacchino believes contribute to a unique musical identity for the film. “Their reaction encouraged us that we had found the musical language for our movie,” he said.
Giacchino approached the score with a sense of playfulness, even incorporating elements reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons. One memorable aspect is the choir’s enthusiastic chant of “FAN-TAS-TIC-FOUR” in the main theme. “I was a bit nervous the Marvel team might think I’d gone too far. Fortunately, they loved it,” he recounted, emphasizing that it became integral to the film’s identity.
In crafting the score, Giacchino sought to avoid comparisons to his previous works, such as the music for The Incredibles. He aimed to forge a new path that reflects a retro-futuristic timeline, one where technology and culture have evolved differently. “The score needed to feel [like it] could only exist in the context of these characters and their story,” Giacchino explained.
Once filming began, Giacchino visited the set to further refine his musical approach. He praised the production design and costumes, noting the collaborative spirit among the team. “Everyone was on the same page,” he said, highlighting the cohesive vision shared by the cast and crew.
A standout piece from the score is the end credits song titled “Let Us Be Devoured.” Giacchino collaborated with composer Andrea Datzman to create a folk song that welcomes the character Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson. The song reflects a doomsday theme, playfully embracing the idea of the world’s end. “While there’s only a brief mention of it in the final cut, we didn’t want to lose the song entirely,” Giacchino noted. The song’s evolution throughout the editing process demonstrates the intricate connection between music and storytelling.
Giacchino believes that the emotional depth of superhero films lies in their exploration of ordinary human experiences. “If I had to identify something unique to superhero scoring, it might be the challenge of balancing the tension between living in the ordinary world while answering the call of extraordinary abilities,” he said. This perspective underscores the universal appeal of the Fantastic Four, who navigate their extraordinary lives while grappling with familiar struggles.
The score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps not only accompanies the film’s action but also embodies its heart. Giacchino’s thoughtful approach to music, blending optimism, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy, sets it apart from other scores within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “The music isn’t just scoring superpowers; it’s scoring the human experience of trying to be who we’re meant to be,” he concluded.
As audiences enjoy the film, Giacchino’s score serves as a reminder of the enduring power of hope, echoing the adventurous spirit of the Fantastic Four and their journey together.
