At this point, it seems almost certain that John Williams will be returning to compose the soundtrack for Episode VII; He’s said he’s like to do it and director J.J. Abrams think he’ll return. Even longtime Abrams collaborator Michael Giacchino thinks so.
In an interview with Zap2it, the composer said:
“We’ve certainly talked about that, and I’m happy and willing to do it,” he confirms. “J.J. Abrams, who will be the director, seems excited about the idea. I have to say that J.J. is a much younger man than I, but I will try to keep up with him as much as I can!”
I’m not sure that “talked about that” infers that formal negotiations are currently in progress, but it does show that he hasn’t lost interest.
I loved the jazzier stuff Williams did in the last couple of years – Tintin was great fun, Catch me if you can and The Terminal were incredibly spirited and inventive – but Indy 4 was mediocre at best and AOTC and ROTS weren’t milestones either. Personally I’d prefer it if Williams teamed up with some up-and-coming composer for Episode VII and left afterwards. If change must come (as it does), why not use Episode VII do initiate it?
I don’t know about this John Williams but I say we give the kid a chance!