John Williams Returning to Score Rian Johnson's STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII

Composer John Williams took a break from a galaxy far, far away during Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as Alexandre Desplat took over music duties for the standalone film. But now we know for sure that he's having something of a homecoming: after composing the scores for all seven saga live-action movies, Williams will return to create the music for Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII.

The composer told an audience in Boston (via Masslive) that he'd begin working on the new score "in a few weeks."

Williams is a legend, plain and simple, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed with his score for The Force Awakens. I felt it lacked the big, recognizable themes he mastered so well in the original trilogy, and aside from a few moments, I sadly felt that the music of The Force Awakens was just sort of...there. I sort of feel like an idiot for saying, "Here's hoping he steps it up for Episode VIII" because this man has given us hours of amazing entertainment over an extremely long career, but I guess I'm greedy when it comes to wanting Star Wars music to be exceptional.

I'm seeing Williams perform at the Hollywood Bowl at the beginning of next month, so I'll be sure to update you if he reveals any more information about his progress.