John Williams presented “Helena’s Theme,” a brand-new song from the upcoming fifth “Indiana Jones” movie, at his annual Maestro of the Movies event on Friday at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Williams introduced the track by talking about its title, which alludes to actress Phoebe’s Waller-character Bridge in the movie (although the fifth Harrison Ford-starring entry won’t hit theatres until next June and doesn’t yet have an official name), and added that he had finished recording the soundtrack for the James Mangold-directed movie one week earlier.
The figure was “an adventuress and a femme fatale,” according to Williams. She is a lot of things. She sings in a poetic style akin to an old-time movie actress.
Co-stars Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Toby Jones, Antonio Banderas, and Olivier Richters will appear with Waller-Bridge.
The 90-year-old composer suggested that “Indiana Jones 5” may be his last picture in an interview with the Associated Press.
He told the newspaper, “I’m currently working on ‘Indiana Jones 5,’ which Harrison Ford, who is considerably younger than I am, I assume has declared will be his last feature. I reasoned that if Harrison could do it, then perhaps I could as well.
Williams added, “At my time in life, [it’s] a long commitment to me,” drawing attention to the frequent six-month commitment demanded by blockbuster movies. However, he also made it plain that he wouldn’t put an end to music. I don’t want to be perceived as categorically excluding any activity, he continued.
The release of “Indiana Jones 5” is scheduled for June 30, 2023.