2018: Top Anticipated Scores

2018 has quite a pile of film scores to really look forward to.  To no one's surprise, there are tons of anticipated sequels and adaptations.  Of course there are always surprises along the way, so we'll see what happens!  Here's the list:   

Music Behind the Screen's 

Top Anticipated Scores of 2018. 

1. Incredibles 2 (Michael Giacchino)

Finally the arguably most requested Pixar sequel arrives.  Michael Giacchino's Bond-inspired jazz sound and Gordon Goodwin's big band arrangement made the first film's score a hit.  It's also the film that brought Giacchino to forefront of Pixar and blockbuster films, and I hope this makes a big splash as well.    

2. Solo: A Star Wars Story (John Powell)

These standalone Star Wars films have had their share of composer drama.  With a directorial switch to Ron Howard, John Powell was chosen to score the film.  Powell is a name I wouldn't have assumed would join this franchise, but it did get me giddy with possibilities.   

3. Avengers: Infinity War (Alan Silvestri)

Of the MCU's apparent score continuity issues, one composer's work keeps popping back in.  Silvestri's Avengers theme will probably be prominent but as so many superheroes team up, it's unknown if their various themes (by a half dozen composers) will be incorporated.  Also, Silvestri scoring large scale action scenes is enough to get me excited.    

   

4. Isle Of Dogs (Alexandre Desplat)

There is something about Desplat's scores for Wes Anderson films that work so well.  The quirky side of both creators are on display, and this upcoming film is stop-motion animated like their previous Fantastic Mr. Fox.  (Their last collaboration, Grand Budapest Hotel in 2014 got Desplat an Academy Award) 

5. Ready Player One (Alan Silvestri)

Stepping in for John Williams on this sci-fi action adaptation, Silvestri could bring enough interesting sounds to help create the universe and OASIS world.  Given the 1980's references and Easter eggs, it's not surprising to see Silvestri attached.   

6. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald (James Newton Howard)

Making a big splash with his score into the new Wizarding World franchise, Howard thankfully gets to continue and add more thematic continuity.  He seems very adept to go fom the darker moments to the most magical.  His first score was a delight and he has already been using its suites in his live concert tours.      

OTHER SCORES TO HEAR IN 2018

Annihilation (Geoff Barrow/Ben Salisbury)

Ant-Man and the Wasp (Christophe Beck)

Black Panther (Ludwig Goransson)

Early Man (Harry Gregson-Williams)
First Man (Justin Hurwitz)
Holmes and Watson (Christophe Beck)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Danny Elfman)
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Michael Giacchino)
Mary Poppins Returns (Marc Shaiman/Lin-Manuel Miranda)
Mission: Impossible 6 (Joe Kraemer)
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (James Newton Howard)

Rampage (Andrew Lockington)

Red Sparrow (James Newton Howard)
The Women of Marwen (Alan Silvestri)

A Wrinkle in Time (Ramin Djawadi)

Anything you're patiently (or impatiently) waiting for in 2018?