One thingIndiana Jones,Jurassic Park, andStar Warshave in common — aside from being some of the most beloved blockbusters out there that made boatloads of cash — isan iconic theme that just about anyone can remember. Even amid an excellent score, a memorable theme can endure for generations of filmgoers and make a film instantly recognizable through music alone. According to composerLaura Karpman, who’s responsible for scoringNia DaCosta’s upcoming superhero flickThe Marvels, the MCU always intends to craft that next hummable tune. While speaking with Collider’sPerri Nemiroff, Karpman revealed that creating a theme that can easily be identified with each project is key across the entirety of the blockbuster franchise.
Specifically, Karpman was asked about the aspects of composing in the MCU that remained consistent from film to film as well as what’s unique toThe Marvels. To that first part, she responded:
“Great question. The thing that stays consistent in any film project, but particularly the MCU, is you have to write an iconic theme. You’ve got to have two to four bars of music, something that is instantly recognizable, instantly singable. So, that is consistent across projects. You’ve got to write that theme, people have got to love it, and it’s got to be able to be associated. It’s a signature for each project.”
The MCU has featured work from some top-notch composers over the years includingAlan Silvestriwho is responsible for the soaring epicsfeatured in the biggest crossover films in the franchise to date. His fingerprints are all overInfinity WarandEndgame, but he also composed the originalAvengerstheme for the 2012 film that’s stuck around as the de facto theme for everything Avengers-related. There’s alsoMichael Giacchino,Ludwig Göransson, andHesham Nazihamong others who’ve given each film a mysterious, haunting, triumphant, or sweeping unique theme that stands out. If there’s anyone capable of matching that prowess,it’s the Emmy-winning Karpmanwho has proven her mettle with the catchyMs. Marveltheme and suspensefulWhat If…?theme as well as theLovecraft CountryandAmerican Fictionscores.
‘The Marvels’ Score Will Reflect Its Space Setting
Since some ofThe Marvelsis spent in space, Karpman’s soundtrack will attempt togive the film a spacey feel. The feature will see Carol Danvers’s (Brie Larson) powers become inextricably tied to those of Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) after the former uncovers a wormhole of mysterious origins with a connection to the villainousKree revolutionary Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Their journey will bring them in contact withNick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) aboard the S.A.B.E.R. space stationand beyond, which the composer said created a unique challenge. “For this one, forThe Marvels, I think figuring out what space sounds like was the big one. There’s actually no sound in space. Sound is felt in space and not heard.” Karpman is generally excited for fans to hear her work, however, andpreviously teased how much fun it wasto write around the main trio’s performances.
The Marvelsarrives in theaters on November 10. Readour guide here for everything you need to knowabout the MCU’s latest team-up and check out our full interview with Karpman below.
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Carol Danvers gets her powers entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, forcing them to work together to save the universe.
