Composer Michael Giacchino has infused his score for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” with a sense of optimism and hope, crafting themes even before filming began. Collaborating closely with director Matt Shakman, Giacchino aimed to create a unique sound that reflects the film’s tone and character dynamics, ensuring a distinctive auditory experience within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Giacchino’s creative process took shape well ahead of production, as he introduced the film’s main theme during a performance at Comic-Con. He had to trust that his vision would resonate. “The thing that hit me emotionally was the feeling of nostalgic optimism and hope that we had in the 1960s,” he explained. Giacchino drew inspiration from the era’s spirit, particularly from the burgeoning NASA space program, which symbolized a time when anything seemed possible.
Creating a Unique Musical Identity
In developing the score, Giacchino sought to combine elements from various influences, describing the theme as a fusion of “The Right Stuff” and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade. The resulting textures incorporate triumphant horns, upbeat synths, sincere strings, and an expressive choir. The positive response from the Comic-Con audience confirmed that Giacchino was on the right track.
“Their reaction encouraged us that we had found the musical language for our movie — something that strives to combine the earnest heroism of the space age with the magical, celebratory sound of a family working together,” Giacchino stated.
His willingness to embrace playful elements, including a choir singing “FAN-TAS-TIC-FOUR,” highlights Giacchino’s commitment to creating a vibrant score. “During recording, I took a chance and had the choir sing those syllables. Fortunately, they loved it,” he said, noting that this choice became integral to the film’s identity.
Giacchino emphasized the importance of establishing a sound specific to the film’s universe. “I thought it was important that we create our own path for what this world would sound like,” he noted. He aimed for a retro-futuristic feel, ensuring the score was tailored to the unique story and characters of the Fantastic Four.
Connecting Music with Narrative
Once filming commenced, Giacchino visited the set to further refine the score, aligning it with the film’s visual style. “I love what the production design and costume teams created,” he remarked. The collaboration helped solidify a cohesive vision for the film, enhancing the overall experience.
One standout piece is the end-credits song, “Let Us Be Devoured.” Giacchino collaborated with Andrea Datzman, the composer for “Inside Out 2,” to craft a folk song that embraces the arrival of the cosmic entity Galactus. This song was initially part of a cut scene that explored unique character dynamics and philosophies regarding Galactus’s impending arrival.
“We didn’t want to lose the song entirely — so we moved it to the end credits,” Giacchino explained. Datzman’s lyrical storytelling adds depth to the film’s emotional arc, showcasing a level of poetry that resonates with audiences.
Overall, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” score stands out for its blend of earnestness and playfulness. Giacchino captures not just the superhuman aspects of the characters but also the human experiences they embody. “The music isn’t just scoring superpowers; it’s scoring the human experience of trying to be who we’re meant to be,” he said, highlighting the universal appeal of the film’s themes.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is currently screening in theaters, inviting audiences to engage with its hopeful narrative and unique musical landscape.
