- "I approach the task of Kylo Ren really just as an extension of Darth Vader in a way. And I didn't want to get too close to it, but if you could convey in a few short notes as "The Imperial March" does—this evil power, strength, threat. It needs to be something that will hit you and [be] accessible right away."
- ―John Williams
A theme was written by John Williams for the 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. Representing Kylo Ren, a figure of the leitmotif is also played in "The Emperor's Theme," and the figure is played backwards in "Rey's Theme."[1]
The theme is introduced during Kylo Ren's first appearance in The Force Awakens, during the First Order's attack on Tuanul. The theme is played throughout the film, including the tracks "Main Title and The Attack on the Jakku Village" and "Kylo Ren Arrives at the Battle."
In introducing the theme for Kylo Ren, Williams approached it as an extension of Darth Vader and "The Imperial March," without being too similar. He wanted the theme to convey Ren's evil power, his strength, and the threat he poses in a way that would be immediately accessible to the audience.[3]
In Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker Williams composed light side edition of the theme, which represents the return of Ben Solo to the light side of the Force.
Sources[]
The Sound of a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack on StarWars.com (backup link)- Scoring The Acolyte: Composing for the Jedi, the Witches, and the Many Moods of the Stranger on StarWars.com (backup link)
