Disney has announced that a new documentary film called “Music By John Williams” will be released on Disney+ later this year.    This new film will chronicle the life and legendary career of John Williams, the visionary composer behind many of the most iconic film soundtracks in history.

Among Williams’s many credits and accolades, including an astounding 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the maestro served as composer for the original Star Wars score and all nine films in the Skywalker saga. Beginning with his early days as a jazz pianist, the documentary celebrates Williams’ countless contributions to the moving image arts, music for the concert stage as well as his indelible impact on popular culture, including scoring the Indiana Jones films and countless other classics.

The documentary features interviews with Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, George Lucas, Itzhak Perlman, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, Ke Huy Quan, James Mangold, Alan Silvestri, David Newman, Thomas Newman, Seth MacFarlane, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Branford Marsalis, whose lives have been touched by Williams’ timeless music.

This new documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, is produced by Steven Spielberg, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Laurent Bouzereau. Markus Keith and Michael Rosenberg serve as executive producers.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that John Williams is the greatest film composer of all time.  His music has transcended cinema and become a part of our global culture, touching the hearts of billions, both young and old. John’s music has done as much to keep classical music alive as it has to shape the world of film.”

As a child growing up in France, Bouzereau says John Williams had a profound impact on his childhood.

“His scores made me fall in love with music, and made me realize at a very young age, the power that a score had on cinematic storytelling. This was an important story to tell, not only because it is about one of the greatest composers of all time, but because of the message it carries about the survival of orchestral music, and musicians.”

In 2016, Williams was honoured with the AFI Life Achievement Award and became the first composer to receive the honour for a career in film.  Recently, John Williams became a Disney Legend at the D23: The Ultimate Fan Event and was one of the last people to receive an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

This new documentary will premiere at the AFI Fest on October 23rd 2024 and then go on to have a limited theatrical run, before it arrives on Disney+ on November 1st 2024.

Roger’s Take:  I’m really looking forward to learning more about the life of John Williams, as his music has had a big influence on my life, I love listening to soundtracks, and he is behind the music of many of the biggest franchises.   A John Williams greatest hits collection was the first CD I ever purchased as a teenager, so this documentary certainly appeals to me.

Are you looking forward to watching “Music By John Williams”?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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