The soundtrack to Blade Runner is rightly regarded as one of the finest in cinematic history. It’s such a strong and unique score it’s more than a mere component of the classic 1982 film, it’s an essential experience in itself. The gentleman behind it, Vangelis, isn’t returning for Blade Runner 2049; that unenviable task is down to Arrival composer Jóhann Jóhannsson – at least, it was – until now.
Stepping in like a multi-million (insert currency here) summer acquisition for your favourite sports team, Hans Zimmer has been enlisted by director Denis Villeneuve to join up with Jóhannsson presumably to add some oomph to proceedings. They’re not alone either with Benjamin Wallfisch hot on Zimmer’s coattail completing a trifecta of composers.
Via Studio Cine Live and translated by the fine chaps at The Playlist:
“… Johann Johansson composed the main theme as planned,” Villeneuve said (via rough Google Translate). “But, given the magnitude of the task, Benjamin Wallfisch and Hans Zimmer joined the team to help Johann. It’s hard to [follow original ‘Blade Runner‘ composer] Vangelis! We had some astonishing atmospheric [pieces] by Johann, but I needed other options, and Hans helped us.”
Exciting stuff, right? All three men have recorded some stunning pieces so one can only hope this will be a collaborative tour-de-force. Click the play button right up top for some Vangelis and check out Hans Zimmer live in concert below to get a feel for where Blade Runner‘s soundscape may end up when it releases later this year!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsDrmRapuEE
Hans Zimmer has too many favourites to choose from, right?! I have a curve-ball choice though – Kung Fu Panda! And Alexander by Vangelis was one of the first OST’s I owned. What about you? Let us know in the comments below!