Why He Came Back
John Williams announced his retirement from film scoring after Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023). But he made one exception clear: "Except for when Steven calls."
When Spielberg shared the story of Disclosure Day, Williams couldn't resist returning to the genre where he created some of cinema's most iconic music.
"I don't know that I can literally retire. We're doing another film now, and I'm already working on something."
— John Williams, 2024
The Five-Note Legacy
The iconic five-note motif from Close Encounters (1977)
Williams' Close Encounters score introduced one of cinema's most recognizable musical phrases — the five-note communication sequence between humans and aliens. Will Disclosure Day create a new iconic motif?
Alien Film Scores
The Spielberg Partnership
Williams and Spielberg's collaboration spans over 50 years and includes nearly every major Spielberg film:
- Jaws (1975)
- Close Encounters (1977)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
- E.T. (1982)
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Schindler's List (1993)
- Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- War of the Worlds (2005)
- Lincoln (2012)
- The Fabelmans (2022)
What to Expect
Given the "old-school Spielberg" tone described by Josh O'Connor, Williams' score will likely emphasize wonder and emotion over action bombast. Expect sweeping orchestral themes and possibly a new musical phrase that captures the weight of disclosure.