Michael Giacchino Wove Hope Into 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Score Before a Single Frame Was Shot

A Unique Sound for a Superhero Family

Michael Giacchino, the renowned composer known for his work on "The Incredibles," the last two "Thor" films, Marvel's "Spider-Man" movies, Matt Reeves' "The Batman," and now "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," has spent years crafting musical themes that transport audiences into heroic worlds. Each film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe presents its own unique challenges when it comes to scoring, and Giacchino has always embraced these challenges with creativity and passion.

For "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," Giacchino worked closely with director Matt Shakman to ensure the film had a distinctive sound that would support its tone and character dynamics. What’s particularly impressive is that Giacchino started developing the score before any filming took place. He created the main theme for a Hall H performance at Comic-Con, hoping it would resonate with fans and set the right tone for the film.

Giacchino found inspiration in the nostalgic optimism of the 1960s, a time when the space program was advancing and anything seemed possible. He described the theme as a mix of "The Right Stuff" and the Disneyland Electric Light Parade. This blend of triumphant horns, peppy synths, electronic elements, sincere strings, and a lively choir received a positive response from the Hall H crowd, giving him confidence that he was on the right track.

One of the most memorable aspects of the score is the use of a choir singing "FAN-TAS-TIC-FOUR." Giacchino took a chance by incorporating this playful element, which initially made him nervous about how the Marvel team would react. However, they loved it, and it became an integral part of the movie’s identity.

Giacchino emphasized the importance of creating a unique musical language for "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." He avoided leaning too heavily on the big band sounds of previous projects like "The Incredibles" and instead aimed for a retro-futuristic timeline where technology and culture evolved differently. The score needed to feel like it could only exist within the context of these characters and their story.

During production, Giacchino visited the set early on, allowing him to tailor his musical language to match the film's visual style. He praised the production design and costume teams, noting that everyone was aligned with the director’s vision.

Another highlight of the score is the end credits song, "Let Us Be Devoured." Giacchino drew from his college days at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village while working with Andrea Datzman, the composer for "Inside Out 2," on a doomsday-positive folk song welcoming Galactus. Although the sequence featuring a Joni Mitchell-inspired character was cut from the final film, the song was moved to the end credits, preserving its emotional impact.

The score of "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is characterized by its poetic and playful spirit, setting it apart from other music in the MCU. It captures the essence of a family of superheroes, each with their own quirks and strengths. Giacchino believes that the key to superhero scoring lies in balancing the tension between the ordinary world and extraordinary abilities. This balance, he suggests, mirrors the struggles we all face in our own lives.

In his view, the music isn't just about scoring superpowers; it's about capturing the human experience of striving to be who we're meant to be. This philosophy resonates deeply with audiences, making the stories of these heroes even more impactful.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" is now playing in theaters, offering a fresh and exciting addition to the superhero genre.