SPOILER WARNING: “Black Adam” spoilers ahead.
At the end of “Black Adam,” in a end-credits scene, Henry Cavill’s Superman flies in to confront Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam. Having received a warning from Amanda Waller via video drone, a drone which Black Adam quickly destroys, Superman emerges from the smoke. As he descends from the sky, the Man of Steel’s approach is accompanied by notes from John Williams’ iconic Superman theme.
With Henry Cavill’s Superman not usually associated with this music, there has been plenty of online debate and speculation as to why the Hans Zimmer “Man of Steel” music wasn’t used for this cameo appearance. Talking with CinemaBlend.com, Henry Cavill weighed in on the debate.
“John Williams’ theme song is obviously incredibly important to the character. It’s something which resonates with the character and every time I think anyone in the world hears that, I think a large portion of the world who hears that will recognize it immediately as Superman and feel a certain way about it, and I do think it’s wonderful.”
That’s not to say Henry doesn’t have an equal respect for the theme created by Hans Zimmer.
“But at the same time, equally so, I think Hans Zimmer’s ‘Man of Steel’ score was just as wonderful. I have incredibly powerful feelings about that because I remember watching the trailer, the first teasers come out, and I was sitting there with my friend and we were both so excited about it and the way the score plays. Both are incredibly powerful in their own way and both are just as iconic for the character. It was just such a pleasure to be back in the suit, whether it be John Williams or whether it be Hans Zimmer, they’re both extraordinary, extraordinary artists.”
As always, Henry is very diplomatic about his answers.
“Black Adam” is showing in theaters now.
Both scores are wonderful. Personally, I think the next Superman film should use both themes throughout the movie. I think the John Williams theme could be used when Superman is doing what I call “joyful heroic saves.” While he’s saving citizens and ensuring that everything will be alright friendliness and a nice smile, they can play the John Williams theme. Then later, after Superman has gone through some struggles from the main antagonist, but then Superman makes a comeback to overcome said struggle, they could play the Hans Zimmer theme. It could show how he never gives up as the… Read more »
I’ve seen at least one really good instance of someone on youtube combining both of the themes together and I wouldn’t mind that approach for a film. I think it should mainly be the Zimmer score, but I have no doubt a good composer could find ways to sprinkle in the Williams theme in certain parts and blend them together seamlessly.