John Williams likely to return for Star Wars: Episode VII

While much of the speculation surrounding Star Wars: Episode VII has centred on the possible return of Original Trilogy stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), director J.J. Abrams has taken a moment to confirm that one integral member of the Star Wars universe is likely to be back for the next chapter of the epic space opera, revealing during the press tour for Star Trek Into Darkness that he expects John Williams to score the Sequel Trilogy.

"Michael Giacchino is an incredible composer, who I was lucky enough to begin working with on Alias," said Abrams, when asked at the Berlin press conference whether his regular collaborator Giacchino would supply the score for Episode VII. "He’s truly one of the most influential members of our crew, and I think this [Star Trek Into Darkness] score, he really outdid himself. Again, for Star Wars, it’s very early days, but I believe that, going forward, John Williams will be doing that film, because he was there long before I was."

John Williams has supplied the score for every live-action Star Wars film to date, winning an Oscar for Best Music, Original Score on A New Hope, as well as receiving nominations for his work on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.