Kenneth Wannberg, Composer and Music Editor Who Worked With John Williams on ‘Star Wars’ Series and 50 Other Films, Dies at 91

Jeb Stuart is a name that has been around Hollywood for quite a while as a writer on such classics as “Die Hard,” “The Fugitive,” and “Another 48 Hrs.” After a long break from the industry, he has found a niche as a television showrunner for projects like Netflix’s “The Liberator,” and his latest, “Vikings: Valhalla,” which drops on Netflix on February 25.

K.J. Yossman Sky have released first look images for a new Sky Original drama, “Unwanted.”Inspired by the book “Bilal,” an investigative book from journalist Fabrizio Gatti, the eight-part series tells the story of an undercover human rights defender who is helping migrants journey from Africa to Europe as they battle human traffickers and government officials.Stefano Bises (“Gomorrah”) created and wrote the series in collaboration with with the collaboration of Alessandro Valenti, Bernardo Pellegrini and Michela Straniero.

When you think of the classic movie themes, you can’t help but think of John Williams. He’s a legendary film composer who has worked on a number of iconic scores and themes for films.

Star Wars composer John Williams has returned to write a theme for upcoming Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi.According to Variety, Williams has written the musical signature for the series and recorded it last week with a Los Angeles orchestra under tight security.This is the first time Williams has composed a theme for the franchise since Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker in 2019. He’s composed the score for every mainline film in the franchise, but this marks a rare occasion where he’s writing music for television.It’s unclear if Williams has contributed any additional music beyond the theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi.Obi-Wan Kenobi, a limited Original series, starts streaming May 25 on @DisneyPlus.

Jon Burlingame editorMore than two years after completing his ninth “Star Wars” movie, composer John Williams is returning to the Jedi fold with a theme for “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Variety has learned.Williams has written the musical signature for the continuing adventures of the character played by Ewan McGregor, airing on Disney Plus beginning May 25. He recorded last week with a Los Angeles orchestra under tight security, sources say.It is a coup for both Lucasfilm and Disney, considering the five-time Oscar winner rarely composes for television.

Chris Willman Music WriterThe full lineup of exclusive titles for April’s Record Store Day has been announced, with the expected title from official RSD 2022 ambassador Taylor Swift. Her first-time release of a “The Lakes” single leads the way for hundreds of releases that range from a deluxe “Blue Velvet” soundtrack reissue and two John Williams 90th-birthday releases to rarities collections from Joni Mitchell, Lou Reed and David Bowie… and from unreleased jazz concerts by Charles Mingus and Bill Evans to vinyl reissues of albums by Prince, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Childish Gambino, Stevie Nicks, the Cure, Kacey Musgraves and Pearl Jam.This year’s RSD will be on April 23 — the weekend after Easter, and Tax Day, to lighten the load on religious or business conflicts.

With “The Book of Boba Fett” in the rearview, Lucasfilm is putting its attention towards other upcoming streaming series. The third season of “The Mandalorian” is the most recent “Star Wars” show to go in front of cameras, even though star Pedro Pascal has been shooting “The Last of Us” in Calgary, Alberta simultaneously.

Obi-Wan Kenobi, the new spin-off Star Wars series led by Ewan McGregor, has received a May premiere date at Disney+.The limited live-action series, which sees McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) reunite with his old Star Wars castmate Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), will start airing on May 25.Obi-Wan Kenobi is set 10 years after the events of the 2005 Star Wars film Revenge Of The Sith, where Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi witnessed the downfall of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.With the premiere news comes a poster reveal, which you can see below.Obi-Wan Kenobi, a limited Original series, starts streaming May 25 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/XCV1xQZhDR— Star Wars (@starwars) February 9, 2022Last year Star Wars boss Kathleen Kennedy discussed the “incredibly emotional” reunion between McGregor and Christensen for the show.“The thing that was most exciting was being on the set and watching the two of them get excited,” Kennedy told Empire.She continued: “They hadn’t seen one another in a long time.“I was surprised at just how incredibly emotional it was for each of them to find themselves back in these roles, and just realising how important Star Wars was to each of them.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on today’s earnings call that the next Star Wars Disney+ series Obi-Wan will debut on May 25.

“Jaws” will never, ever forget composer John Williams’ famous musical score. The iconic theme from director Steven Spielberg’s shark flick is chilling and ominous, yet all too familiar. However, the 75-year-old filmmaker initially thought Williams — who turned 90 on Tuesday, Feb.

Will Smith has received his third Oscar nomination this morning, earning his place on the Best Actor list for his role in King Richard. Smith played Richard Williams, the father of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, in a story charting the early days of their careers, and his role in the movie has been a favorite with critics and guilds all season long. In addition to pending nominations from SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice, Smith has already claimed prizes from several critics groups. It is a long-overdue return to the Oscars spotlight for Smith, whose turn in Warner Bros.’ King Richard, written by Zach Baylin and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, has been recognized 15 years on from his last citation by the Motion Picture Academy.

Robert Blalack, a towering figure in the world of visual effects, died on Wednesday. His wife Caroline Charron-Blalack confirmed the news to Deadline. He was 73.

What’s the real story about Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s unceremonious dismissal from the directing job of “Solo: A Star Wars Story?” That’s a question that people have been wanting an answer to for years now, after the acclaimed comedic filmmakers were dumped after three months of filming and replaced by Ron Howard, who ended up reshooting almost the entire film. Well, even though the directing duo isn’t keen on spilling all of the details, they did shed some light on the learning experience that was “Solo.” Speaking to The Business podcast, hosted by Kim Masters, Lord and Miller talked as openly as we can expect about the “Solo: A Star Wars Story” situation.

Jon Burlingame editorJohn Williams turns 90 years old on Feb. 8.

Hulu and BBC Three today offered a first look at Conversations with Friends, their upcoming limited series starring Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane (American Honey, Hearts Beat Loud), Joe Alwyn (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, The Favourite) and Jemima Kirke (Sylvie’s Love, Girls), which is set to premiere this spring.

Director Roland Emmerich’s latest disaster film “Moonfall” returns him to the Moon yet again, after exploring it in “Independence Day: Resurgence” and in a greater capacity with his lesser-known 1990 sci-fi actioner “Moon 44.” He’s now on the press tour to promote his latest studio event movie and, of course, has been asked about the current state of cinema, blockbusters, and the movies business in general.