Select Page
Echoes of Evolution: John Paesano’s Musical Odyssey in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
April 22, 2024

A New Dawn: John Paesano Scores ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

As the highly anticipated film “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” approaches its release, all eyes are on the composer John Paesano, tasked with creating the musical landscape for this groundbreaking cinematic journey. Drawing inspiration from the iconic scores of Jerry Goldsmith and Michael Giacchino, Paesano embarks on a quest to honor the franchise’s legacy while blazing a trail into uncharted territory under the direction of Wes Ball.

With a nod to the majestic orchestrations of Goldsmith’s original “Planet of the Apes” score and the emotional depth of Giacchino’s compositions for the reboot trilogy, Paesano’s score weaves a tapestry of sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Evoking the primal beauty of the apes’ world and the epic scope of their struggle for survival, Paesano’s music transports audiences to a realm where humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.

Yet, Paesano’s task extends beyond homage; he must also carve out a musical identity uniquely suited to the vision of director Wes Ball. Through innovative instrumentation, intricate melodies, and evocative themes, Paesano breathes life into Ball’s bold vision, capturing the essence of a world where apes reign supreme and the line between ally and adversary is blurred.

As “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” prepares to take audiences on an unforgettable journey, John Paesano’s score stands as a testament to the power of music to elevate storytelling to new heights. With each soaring crescendo and haunting refrain, Paesano guides us through a world where humanity’s past collides with its future, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes composer John Paesano explains how he went ape with his soundtrack

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes composer John Paesano explains how he went ape with his soundtrack

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes resonates with bestial power, from its photo-realistic performance capture effects to the layered sounds of the various ape factions that tear across the screen.

Much of the film’s visceral impact owes itself to composer John Paesano who was compelled to mix and match a host of musical styles stemming from the classic Apes franchise.

We caught up with John to discuss his approach to the movie, his collaboration with director Wes Ball and what it meant to acknowledge his compositional predecessors.

Echoes of Goldsmith: John Paesano’s Nod to the Original Themes in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Score

Echoes of Goldsmith: John Paesano’s Nod to the Original Themes in ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ Score

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” marks composer John Paesano’s first foray into the Apes franchise. Following in the footsteps of Jerry Goldsmith (“Planet of the Apes”), Michael Giacchino (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”) and others, he knew he’d have big shoes to fill. The first thing he thought about was the “musical legacy as well as the “giant music” associated with the scores.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Original Video Game Soundtrack Release

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – Original Video Game Soundtrack Release

Much like its 2018 predecessor Marvel’s Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is getting a physical release of the game’s music in the form of double vinyl.

Both of Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man titles have been generally well-received by critics and fans alike, garnering high Metacritic scores. Spider-Man: Miles Morales has avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, so much so that many fans of the game believe Miles Morales deserves a full Spider-Man sequel.

MUSICAL WEBS: THE ART OF SCORING SPIDER-MAN WITH JOHN PAESANO

MUSICAL WEBS: THE ART OF SCORING SPIDER-MAN WITH JOHN PAESANO

When Insomniac Games set out to develop their ambitious Spider-Man series for PlayStation, they knew that capturing the essence of such a beloved superhero would require more than just stellar gameplay and stunning visuals. The music, too, needed to be exceptional, serving not only as a backdrop for Spider-Man’s adventures but also as a narrative force in its own right. Enter John Paesano, the award-winning composer tasked with this monumental challenge. His scores for the PlayStation Spider-Man games have become some of the most iconic and celebrated in the video game industry, thanks to his unique focus on melodies and storytelling through music.

Navigating the Sonic Maze: Exploring the Music of the Maze Runner Trilogy

Navigating the Sonic Maze: Exploring the Music of the Maze Runner Trilogy

The Maze Runner trilogy, comprised of “The Maze Runner” (2014), “The Scorch Trials” (2015), and “The Death Cure” (2018), captivated audiences with its gripping storyline, compelling characters, and adrenaline-pumping action. However, one aspect that often flies under the radar but significantly contributes to the trilogy’s immersive experience is its music.

Capturing Tesla’s Spark: How Did John Paesano’s Score Illuminate the Inventor’s Electric Legacy?

Capturing Tesla’s Spark: How Did John Paesano’s Score Illuminate the Inventor’s Electric Legacy?

John Paesano’s score for Michael Almereyda’s film “Tesla” ingeniously captures the essence of the inventor’s electric legacy. Drawing inspiration from modern classical composers, Paesano’s innovative approach electrifies the screen, resonating with Tesla’s groundbreaking discoveries. Through sweeping strings and pulsating rhythms, Paesano’s music illuminates Tesla’s visionary genius in a captivating symphony of sound.

BAFTA Games Awards: John Paesano Takes Home Top Music Prize

BAFTA Games Awards: John Paesano Takes Home Top Music Prize

For his work on Miles Morales, Paesano won the 2021 BAFTA for Best music in a video game. Composer John Paesano, who returned to score the game after delivering an epic soundtrack for the first installment, doesn’t disappoint in the second outing either, this time mixing hip hop beats with the grand orchestral sound of the original.