Composer Hans Zimmer puts together a band of talent for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 score

Prolific composer Hans Zimmer has created a multitude of memorable film scores in his long career, from films like CRIMSON TIDE, THE ROCK, GLADIATOR, BACKDRAFT, THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy, PIRATES OF THE CARRIBBEAN, INCEPTION, THE LION KING, and many, many more. With the closing of Christopher Nolan's DARK KNIGHT trilogy, however, Zimmer was without a superhero franchise to work on (edit: How I forgot MAN OF STEEL, I’ll never know), but has now teamed up with a number of talented musicians to put together something exciting and memorable for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2. Director Marc Webb's sequel, which is already set up for two more films to follow, is looking to update the theme from the first film's veteran composer, James Horner (ALIENS, WILLOW, TITANIC). Today, Sony put out a press release to highlight Zimmer's latest collaboration, which puts the musician with a gaggle of pro's, all looking to lend their skills to the music for the ol' webhead.

From the press release:

Oscar®- and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer will work with Pharrell Williams, Johnny Marr, Michael Einziger, and Dave Stewart to create music for The Amazing Spider-Man™ 2, it was announced today by Lia Vollack, president of Worldwide Music for Sony Pictures. The film, directed by Marc Webb from a screen story and screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is produced by Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be released in theaters domestically on May 2, 2014, and international release dates commence April 16, 2014.

Commenting on the announcement, Zimmer said, “Marc and I were talking about Spider-Man, and as the word got out, so many of our friends and musicians started calling us up, wanting to be a part of it, because they love Spider-Man. That was the thing that united all of us – the great love for Spider-Man. With all of these hugely talented people wanting to join us, it was Marc who said, ‘Why not start a band?’ Marc and I have had a great start jamming with everybody, and we still have a few surprises up our sleeve.”

Vollack added, “This kind of collaboration is only possible because of who Marc Webb is – not only a director but also a musician – combined with who Hans is and what Spider-Man means to so many people. Nobody has ever approached film music in this way before and this likely can never be replicated. We’re huge fans of Hans, Pharrell, Johnny, Mike, and Dave, and when combined, we know the result will be truly unique… and amazing!”

Zimmer, a nine-time Oscar® nominee and winner for his work on The Lion King, previously collaborated with Williams on the film Despicable Me, as Williams produced four original solo songs and several other character-sung pieces. They later collaborated on the music for the 84th Annual Academy Awards®. Marr played on Zimmer's score for the hit film Inception, Einziger played on his score for The Lone Ranger, and Stewart played with Zimmer on the score for Madagascar 3.

Zimmer has collaborated with musicians many times before, so this isn't something new, but no less exciting. I think it's great to see Zimmer and Webb challenging themselves by bringing in more talent to punch up the score, which shows that they have some true passion for crafting something extraordinary, rather than just making some filler music for Spidey to swing around to. Word is that excerpts from Zimmer and co.'s score will be heard on THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN 2's first trailer, set to debut before THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2  swings into theaters on May 2, 2014.

Source: Sony Pictures

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