All the Details on the New Superman Movie Composer and Soundtrack

Excitement has reached new heights with the debut of the first trailer for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film, unveiling not only visuals but also a glimpse of the score that accompanies the iconic superhero.

Music has undeniably played a crucial role in the enduring legacy of Superman films, many of which are celebrated among the finest superhero movies to date. The legendary John Williams composed the unforgettable score for the 1978 classic, which director Richard Donner skillfully integrated throughout the film, marking a milestone in cinematic history.

This iconic theme was revisited in the three sequels of the franchise. In 2006, Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns featured a score by John Ottman that paid homage to Williams’ original composition. Conversely, Zack Snyder took a different path with Man of Steel, enlisting Hans Zimmer to create an emotive score that redefined the character’s musical landscape. However, it appears that with the new film, Gunn and his long-time collaborator are drawing inspiration from Williams once more.

Who is the Composer Behind Superman?

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The score for James Gunn’s Superman will be composed by John Murphy, who has previously teamed up with Gunn on projects such as The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Hailing from Liverpool, Murphy is a self-taught musician whose career gained momentum after he scored for Guy Ritchie’s films, including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. He later collaborated with Danny Boyle on acclaimed films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine, as well as contributing to Michael Mann’s Miami Vice.

Murphy has substantial experience in superhero film scores, having composed music for not only The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 but also Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass and the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

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In February 2024, Murphy was officially confirmed as the composer for Superman. Moreover, in December, Gunn indicated to The Wrap that this film would feature elements of John Williams’ classic theme while also introducing fresh material. The trailer has now allowed audiences to experience this new approach for the first time.

Regarding the musical direction of the film, Gunn clarified that Superman will not adopt the jukebox style prevalent in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. He remarked, “It’s not a soundtrack, so it’s not about the songs. It’s much, much more of a score film.”

Mark your calendars: Superman is set to premiere in theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025.

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