Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Michael Giacchino Rewrote Fantastic Four Score, Praises Early Music Use
Imagine a composer, Michael, was asked to write music for a new superhero movie, the Fantastic Four.
He wrote a lot of music, even themes for villains, before filming even started.
The director, Matt, even used some of this music on the movie set, which helped everyone know what kind of movie they were making!
But movies change a lot when they are being filmed.
When Michael saw the movie at the end, he felt his music didn't fit the new version anymore.
So, he wrote a whole new set of music!
He got a little extra time from Marvel's boss, Kevin, to do it.
Michael thinks it's rare but helpful when music can help everyone agree on the movie's feel early on.
He's also planning to direct his own movie soon, which is different from his usual composing job.
Michael Giacchino revealed he composed two full scores for 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'.
The initial score was used during production and helped set the film's tone, with themes for Galactus and Silver Surfer written early on.
Giacchino ultimately scrapped the first score because it no longer fit the final version of the movie.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige allowed Giacchino extra time to rerecord the music.
Giacchino also expressed enthusiasm for directing a future project for Warner Bros.
- Who
- Composer Michael Giacchino
- What
- Scrapped and rewrote the score for 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' after initially composing two complete versions.
- When
- During a panel at Deadline's Sound & Screen: Film event
- Where
- Implicitly related to the production and scoring of 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'
- Why
- The initial score did not feel right or work with the final version of the movie, which evolved throughout production.
Composer's Perspective
Studio/Director's Perspective
Score Appropriateness
Composer's Perspective
Giacchino felt his initial score was no longer appropriate after seeing the final cut of the film, which evolved significantly from earlier versions.
Studio/Director's Perspective
While the film evolved, the early use of Giacchino's music for the Comic-Con presentation and on set helped the director and production align on tone and direction.
Value of Early Music Composition
Composer's Perspective
Giacchino suggests composers should be hired first, and their suites used to get everyone on the same page from day one, highlighting its rare but beneficial impact.
Studio/Director's Perspective
The director's use of the initial score on set proved helpful in solidifying the film's tone and direction for the production team.
- Composer
- Michael Giacchino
- Film
- Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Giacchino's Marvel Scores
- Seven (including three Spider-Mans, Doctor Strange, Thor: Love and Thunder, Werewolf By Night)
- Event
- Deadline's Sound & Screen: Film
- Director
- Matt Shakman
- Studio Chief
- Kevin Feige