Composer Michael Giacchino has unveiled his score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a project that reflects a unique blend of nostalgia and optimism. Notably, Giacchino began crafting the film’s music even before the cameras started rolling, illustrating his proactive approach to storytelling through sound.
Creating a Distinctive Sound
Working alongside director Matt Shakman, Giacchino aimed to develop a musical identity that would resonate with the film’s tone and character dynamics. He sought to embody the spirit of the Fantastic Four, echoing the sense of hope that characterized the 1960s, a time when achievements like the NASA space program made the seemingly impossible feel attainable.
During a performance at Comic-Con, Giacchino introduced the film’s main theme, which he described as a fusion of The Right Stuff and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade. The audience’s enthusiastic response confirmed to him that he was on the right path. “Their reaction encouraged us that we had found the musical language for our movie,” he stated. He emphasized a blend of “earnest heroism of the space age” with “the magical, celebratory sound of a family working together.”
Musical Inspirations and Innovations
In crafting the score, Giacchino drew inspiration from various sources, including Saturday morning cartoons. A notable feature of the main theme is the choir singing “FAN-TAS-TIC-FOUR.” Giacchino expressed his initial concerns about this creative choice, fearing it might be perceived as overly whimsical. Fortunately, the Marvel team embraced the idea, leading to its integration into the film’s core.
Giacchino was determined to establish a distinctive sound for the film that diverged from his previous works, such as the lively big band sounds in The Incredibles. He aimed for a “retro-futuristic” feel that would uniquely reflect the story of the Fantastic Four. “The score needed to feel like it could only exist in the context of these characters and their story,” he remarked.
Once production commenced, Giacchino visited the set to further refine his musical vision, aligning it with the film’s aesthetic. He praised the production design and costume teams for their contributions, noting that everyone involved shared a cohesive vision for the film.
A Unique End Credit Song
Particularly noteworthy is the end credit song titled “Let Us Be Devoured.” Inspired by his college days at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village, Giacchino collaborated with composer Andrea Datzman to create a folk song that welcomes the character Galactus, voiced by Ralph Ineson, in a light-hearted manner. The song reflects themes of acceptance despite impending doom, aligning with earlier drafts of the film that explored varying reactions to Galactus’ arrival.
Although the sequence initially intended to showcase a character reminiscent of Joni Mitchell leading a group of followers in song was ultimately cut, Giacchino ensured the song would not be lost, moving it to the end credits instead. Datzman’s careful lyricism adds depth, making the song a fitting conclusion to the film.
The score for The Fantastic Four: First Steps stands out not only for its instrumentation but also for its emotive storytelling. Giacchino believes that the essence of superhero scoring lies in balancing the ordinary with the extraordinary, a concept that resonates universally. “Perhaps that’s why these stories resonate so deeply,” he noted. “The music isn’t just scoring superpowers; it’s scoring the human experience of trying to be who we’re meant to be.”
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently showing in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the unique musical journey Giacchino has created for these beloved characters.