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JULY 15, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: JWFan
Nicholas Hooper, composer of the last two Harry Potter film scores, is leaving the franchise, says a reliable member of JWFan's forums (a John Williams fan site) and contributor for Film Score Monthly.
Forum member Maestro says he interviewed Hooper just yesterday:
He told me that the films have put too great a strain on his family life and that he always thought that a certain composer "whose name I know well" should finish out the series, "since he started it."
I got the impression that he'd be content just leading a quiet life in London from now on, without dabbling in mega blockbusters like this anymore.
Hooper is allegedly referring to Williams (in the first comment above), whom Potter producer David Heyman has also shown interest in bringing back, if schedules permit.
Williams himself said "with confidence" at a lecture in late 2007 he'd be back to finish what he started and write the score for Deathly Hallows.
Please keep in mind this is unconfirmed at present, but we'll be sure to bring you more news as we hear of it.
Thanks to Matt for the tip.
UPDATE: There seems to be confusion and even apathy concerning news of John Williams' potential return, so a quick summary follows: Williams has written some of the most recognizable and enduring theme songs and film scores in the past four decades, including Star Wars, E.T., Indiana Jones, Superman, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, Home Alone, Hook, the NBC Nightly News, the Olympics and even President Obama's inauguration. He composed Hedwig's Theme and several other elements which can be heard throughout all of the Harry Potter movies, even the ones he did not work on (Goblet of Fire through Half-Blood Prince.)
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Sirius's Veil Thrower
Points: 4655
SiriusBlacksGodDaughter says:
Oh wow, I'm sorry but I'm giddy at this little information; Nicholas Hooper was okay, but John Williams was extravagant and I hope behind all hopes that he is indeed finishing what him and Chris Columbus started!
~Drish~
Posted Jul 15, 2009 at 11:30 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3252
Tenshi says:
I wouldn't mind having another composer on the scene for the next movie. I wasn't too wild for his music (not to say that I didn't like it - I just could've enjoyed the music a lot more). If it's true, I wonder who will fill the shoes next? I hope it's someone with a darker, sombre sense of music.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 12:01 AM EST
I Am Queen of My Castle
Points: 3673
Hecate3fold says:
I would like to see that happen too. That way it will come full circle.
I couldn't begin to fanthom how a composers mind works to compile all of the music that accompnies the moods of all the different scenes. Genius at work!
Blessings! Hecate3fold!
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 12:26 AM EST
Friendly Deaf Angel
Points: 5169
Friendly Deaf Angel says:
I think that Hooper should finish it..cuze HBP was a great..soundtrack.. =] but if he dont finish it..then i wonder who will??
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 12:45 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 877
GRED+FORGE says:
I would love to see John Williams back to be the composer for the 7th movie(s). Hooper was good, but Williams is great!
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 1:09 AM EST
Witch
Points: 670
draconifors says:
It will be a great loss...but that other guy sounds good aswell i suppose.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 4:01 AM EST
Witch
Points: 819
accio_kim says:
That's so sad, but at least he's doing the right thing for himself and his family. I love the music in all the movie installments, so I know they'll always be done well =] (but, HP 4 has a great soundtrack!)
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 4:34 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 6
cjbreisch says:
Well, I have to say this is a good thing. While watching the movie yesterday I actually thought to myself that the score was very weak. William's stuff may be simplistic, but there's no denying his skills at matching the score to the dynamics of the screenplay.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 8:28 AM EST
Wizard
Points: 874
Silly Dragon says:
Hooper's score was starting to get somewhere in the 6th film, but it still has a number of shortcomings-often too formulaic and predictable, even really unconvincing at times, despite some good ideas for themes. Hooper's score is simply no match for William's brilliant orchestration and incomparable writing. The soundtrack for Philosopher's Stone is full of musical gems-some of which unfortunately did not make it into the film-and Williams scoring Deathly Hallows would be very good news.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 10:10 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 42
Addicted2Draco says:
I am so glad at hearing this, recently the films have been more about girls and dating than the actual story line. HBP seems to rush through the important bits and have lots of detail on the dating. They are trying to make it more interesting for the younger ones and making it totally boring for older people who have been reading the books since the first day they got released!! If he was doing the next film i'm pretty sure I wouldn't even go and see it.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 10:19 AM EST
Prof. of Cultural Literacy
Points: 4469
PowerGranger says:
The work of the composers who followed John Williams for the films has been enjoyable, but I am excited to hear that John Williams himself is considering returning for 7's 1&2! I can see how any composer would get a little burned out working on such huge projects as the HP movies so I can understand Hooper wanting to bow out at this point. And John Williams is probably fresh again, as far as his interest in HP goes, so he may have some great new stuff to add to the old classics. Besides, he's JOHN WILLIAMS! The music is bound to be great, as long as he and David Yates see eye-to-eye. (And I am very disturbed that not everyone is aware of who this composing legend is, by the way, so thanks for the clarification).
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 11:21 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2076
Feelin' Felix Felicis says:
I would love to see John Williams come back and finish the series. He was the one who composed at the very beginning, he was the one who composed Hedwig's Theme which is truly exquisite. I agree with Hecate3fold, it would be like coming full circle. Both Williams and Hooper are wonderful composers and gave us beautiful and brilliant Harry Potter music.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1604
R//V/@ says:
That's sad to hear but also exciting! Hooper's score for the last 2 movies great, but John William's was AMAZING! John Williams is always amazing (the guy is a legend), and no doubt, if he comes back, the score of the final two movies will blow us away.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 1:15 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1423
Cernan says:
Hooper's scores for the last two films have been a tad bit disappointing. He simply takes John Williams' themes from the first few films and reuses them without developing and expanding them. Williams is a legend, and if he returns DH will no doubt be epic.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 1:43 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1976
AncientJoy says:
Thank you for the update! I've always known the genius that is John Williams... but to see his resume in print the way you wrote it, just makes it even more clear and Deathly Hallows is going to have the best soundtrack ever!!
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 2:25 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 482
mrsharrypotter4500 says:
I would LOVE to have John back!!!!!! Hoopers score in hbp ws kindove boring. and he reused pieces from OOTP. All of Hoopers scores dont really have anything that is really exciding to me or anything that really sticks out. And I really diddnt like the the electirc guitar in ootp, thank goodness it diddnt make it into the movie. The only thing I question about John Williams was the heavy rennaisance style influence ont he score for POA. If John returns I would be soo happy!
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 2:41 PM EST
Kathe Mera Kalimera
Points: 7720
dominor says:
John Williams is a fantastic composer, i'll be real happy to see him ciming back for the last 2 movies :D
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 3:38 PM EST
The Fifth Marauder
Points: 2771
Curious Werewolf says:
I absolutely loved John Williams' scores for the first three films. PoA was definitely my favourite! So many greats themes!! Eeee!
Nicholas Hooper did a good job but I prefer Williams by a very long shot.
Plus it's John Williams, he is an absolute legend!
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 4:11 PM EST
Witch
Points: 580
KarateKid says:
Nicholas Hooper is amazing. Loved the HBP score. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing John Williams return.
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 5:13 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
Thats sad that Nicholas isnt coming back but I really hope that John Williams returns!!! :D
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Posted Jul 16, 2009 at 6:29 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2860
mad_eye muggle says:
Well,for me I'll be glad if ever John William returns and I also think that he should be the one to finish the franchise,he started it all,right?However,it sad that Nicholas Hooper will not be back,he did an awesome job in HBP.
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 5:15 AM EST
Prof. Alfred W. Mandoore
Points: 2445
JAYSTARR says:
Brilliant...But, We hope that John Willaim will return to close the last book with his brilliant scores.
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 11:12 AM EST
Magickal Mead Wench
Points: 2505
SnapesSorceress says:
It would be awesome if John Williams came back for the last two films! The soundtracks haven't been the same since others took over. I'm STILL rankled that he lost out for the Academy Award for best soundtrack for Azkaban, as that was some of the best work of his career! And it's only fair that since he was the original composer he should return for the end!
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 1:46 PM EST
Witch
Points: 734
Fantasy Lover says:
I hope deep in my heart he comes back for both of the Deathly Hallows movies. I hope, hope, hope because that would probably be the best news ever heard for the Harry Potter franchise!
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 4:59 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1186
Godric11 says:
John Williams is pure gold. Thus he would make pure gold for the last two films...not to mention a slew of new musical themes.
Posted Jul 17, 2009 at 5:11 PM EST
Witch
Points: 605
Sahara says:
This is sad news. The Harry Potter soundtrack really does add something special to the movie. I hope the composer that follows will put as much heart and soul into his work as N. Hooper did. Did any one miss the Harry Potter theme at the beginning of Half Blood Prince? It has been the opening song since movie one and I for one missed it greatly!
Posted Jul 18, 2009 at 3:54 PM EST
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