John Williams, the composer responsible for the iconic Star Wars themes, has reportedly added the theme of the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series to his filmography. The limited series, slated for release on May 25 of this year, will follow Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) through his exile on Tatooine nine years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) will also appear as Vader's team of Inquisitors hunt down the Jedi who survived the deadly Order 66 at the end of the Clone Wars and who currently remains in Tatooine to watch over Luke Skywalker.
Williams has scored all nine of the Star Wars Skywalker Saga movies, as well as "The Adventures of Han" theme for Solo: A Star Wars Story and the titular theme for the Galaxy's Edge theme parks. This impressive catalog includes the iconic "Main Title" theme, "Binary Sunset," and "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)," all of which can be recognized by anyone. Williams' scores for the original trilogy (Episodes IV-VI) and the sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX) earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score, one of which he won in 1977 for A New Hope. Despite how decorated his Star Wars scores are, there's no doubting their impact, which continues to be shown in the way Williams' themes are revived in current Star Wars media.
The composer will now reportedly be adding another Star Wars theme to his impressive filmography with his work on the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, according to Variety. While the score remains without a known composer, Williams is said to have recorded the theme under tight security last week. At this time, it's unknown whether or not Williams has drawn on a piece he's already composed for Obi-Wan's character in the past or created something brand-new for the series. What is known is that this is a rare and exciting feat, as the composer rarely dips into the world of television.
There's no doubt Williams' theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi will quickly become a classic. It will be interesting to see the choices Williams has made for the composition of this theme. There are many Obi-Wan related themes he has crafted through the years with his work on the Skywalker Saga movies, and to see him build off of them to create something familiar yet unique would bring an extra flair to this highly anticipated series. The viewers will be able to receive comforting nostalgia from the sounds of Williams' theme every time they sit down to watch a new episode of the beloved character's story.
Excitement for the series has been building exponentially ever since it was first announced, with any major announcements causing it to trend on social media. Viewers have even been vocal in the comment and reply sections of Star Wars social media accounts as of late to ask for the first Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer. The news of Williams returning to compose this theme has received a hearty welcome from the audience and will work to build the hype for this series even more. This just further confirms to future viewers of Obi-Wan Kenobi that the wait will be more than worth it.
Obi-Wan Kenobi begins streaming May 25 on Disney+.
Source: Variety