Two of the most talked about productions in 2015 might have more in common than you think. During a recent visit to The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday (Nov. 30), J.J. Abrams revealed the new cantina music featured in the forthcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is a result of a collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and star of the hit Broadway play Hamilton.
With less than three weeks until Episode VII is filtered into the popular fantasy science-fiction movie series, Abrams continues to offer fans more and more surprising information about what to expect. The Star Trek Into Darkness director, who's created quite a resume with programs in genres like drama, action, and science fiction, confirmed the film will have an entirely new cantina scene.
“I saw Hamilton, the play, which is amazing," the 49-year-old told Fallon. "It’s an incredible musical. Beyond belief! I go to see this show with our son and at intermission, Lin-Manuel Miranda comes up to me and he says hello. And my mind is blown because he’s so brilliant. And he says, ‘Hey, if you need music for the cantina, I’ll write it.’ And walks off."
For those who aren't familiar, the infamous Chalmun's Cantina or Star Wars Cantina scene is one of the most iconic moments in the film and the music featured during the scene was just as memorable to fans. Located in Mos Eisley on the planet Tatooine, this fictional bar is the stomping ground for many dangerous creatures, where altercations usually ensue.
The original song was performed by Figran D'an and the Modal Nodes. So what did Abrams see in Miranda to make him suitable for the position? The 37-year-old New York native holds many titles including writer, actor, composer, playwright, and rapper to name a few.
His work has earned him several accolades like multiple Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and the 2015 MacArthur Genius Award. When Abrams saw the opportunity to join forces with him on a song, he didn't hesitate to make it happen.
We did. Worked on it between 6pm & 7:30 on 2 show days for the past 2 months. JJ is the best. Can't wait to see. https://t.co/pPYu8nRsxI
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) December 1, 2015
“I end up e-mailing Lin-Manuel Miranda and I say, ‘I know you were kidding but if you actually want to write this music, I’m actually working on something if you want.’ He’s like, ‘I’ll drop everything!’”
Fans can expect to hear the new music in Star Wars: The Force Awakens when it hits theaters on Dec. 18. Hamilton, however, is currently sold out for the rest of the year.
