Musical Continuity in the MCU

[@never.nothing]

time stamps in case you wanna jump around! 0:00 - intro 7:12 - iron man 21:52 - thor 29:42 - captain america 38:09 - guardians of the galaxy 44:17 - ant-man 48:44 - dr. strange 52:53 - spider-man 1:00:43 - black panther 1:07:50 - captain marvel 1:12:34 - marvel studios theme 1:14:00 - sacrifice theme 1:15:11 - portals theme 1:17:57 - avengers theme 1:24:30 - conclusion

[@Reshiram543]

Leitmotifs are by far my favorite music idea. Hearing a piece of music used in a different way within the same media to convey a different message is incredible to me

[@Joseph-oo7pp]

Want to point out, Star Spangled Man With a Plan also showed up as a real marching band performance in Falcon and the Winter Soldier when John Walker was introduced as the new Captain America.

[@Eddyoshi]

It is criminal how little views this video is getting. This video is fantastic work! I always remembered the 5 second bit in Ultron when it played Iron Man's 3 theme and was shocked how little they utilised each of the characters scores (and how they kept changing them when they had a good thing going). Truly great video, you went into so much depth, the editing and presentation is top notch...you deserve a million views with this quality!

[@never.nothing]

thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

[@brennanpeterhunt]

This is your magnum opus

[@a7s_kosmos310]

Gotta say, the no way home theme is amazing. Forget me knots always gives me goosebumps

[@kareembrown1673]

The Avengers theme in Endgame gives me chills every single time.

[@realJacobNichols]

I am looking forward to a sequel of this video covering Phase 4 and how it’s theme’s connect to Phases 1-3!

[@tovbyte]

I love that you pointed out how well done the over all score for Far From Home was! To me the love theme for Peter and MJ (the tracks are called “Bridge and Love’s Burning” and “Personal Hijinks”) is actually one of my favourite bits of MCU music ever made. Giacchino really brought his A game there

[@klmnclement]

Congratulations on your longest video yet!! 🎉

[@never.nothing]

thank you!!!

[@Wernissage]

HOW does this not have more views?? Incredible job dude, keep it up!

[@ivankurt641]

I’ve never seen anyone so easily reference so specific sitcom moments that I remember perfectly than this channel

[@jessicastrike5640]

This video is a masterpiece!! Bravo, I loved every moment of it. There was a video I saw years ago that criticised the MCU for the lack of memorable music so this was a wonderful update

[@hrishiv27]

59:42 an amazing composer *and director

[@julianxamo7835]

Some things you missed/some of my own observations: Edit: I realize you're mostly talking about the Infinity Saga, but I'll comment some things about phase 4 anyway. Thor: The Dark World's loki's """sacrifice""" theme does appear in Ragnarok tho, in the stage play that depicts that very moment (In the play is even diagetic sung by a choir of women) So they don't ignore that movie's OST entirely. The Star Spangled Man with a plan is also in Falcon and the Winter Soldier, a marching band plays it (well, an instrumental "funky" version) when Walker is interviewed in his old high school. Something to mention about the Guardians theme is that it starts (literally the first 2/3 seconds or so) with a VERY similar melody to the Avengers theme (With the raising ostinatos) but quickly becomes it's own thing. Also you forgot to mention "Guardians Inferno" the remix of the theme with lyrics sung by David Hasselhoff that plays in the credits of the second movie (and also has a music video) which reminds me a lot of the funky version of the Iron Man 3 theme (Ant Man also has a similar funky version in his first movie's end credits). The first Spider-Man theme from Civil war has a really similar vibe to the Iron Man 3 score to me. Can't believe you don't really like the main Spidey theme that much, for me, as much as I like the Raimi and Webb themes (Well, Elfman/Howard/Zimmer) this is the one which fits the character of Spider-Man as a whole, because it can sound goofy and epic depending on the instrumentation, and that's perfect for the webhead (it's criminal that this one doesn't play in IW when he's swinging out of the bus, that was the perfect spot for a callback). Weird that you mentioned Mysterio's theme, but not Vulture's, they are both amazing, but I love that Vulture's is like a way darker version of the Avengers theme in a way, it makes sense in the story, as his origin is tied directly to that movie. Btw technically that last theme isn't Fury's it's Talos'. Not mentioning the classic Spidey theme in the Marvel logo was also weird. I would call that "emotional" Black Panther theme, the "Family " or "Wakandan Blood" theme, as it always plays when something big relating to T'Challa's family or Wakandan heritage is happening (Pretty vague, but I think it works). I think Carol's theme being "generic" is by design because of it intentionally emulating the classic hero sound from Superman (also I think it will provide a nice contrast to the more "exotic" Ms. Marvel theme that will hopefully return in The Marvels). "Portals" originally appears in CA The First Avenger when Cap is going to rescue Bucky (and the Howling Commandos) with the help of Peggy and Howard Stark. A lot of IW/Endgame's themes come from that movie actually, like, the music that plays in IW when Tony is going to the spaceship while talking to Pepper is the same as the one that plays when Steve is saying goodbye to Peggy at the end of that film. You also missed the Infinity stones theme/motif, which appears a lot in IW and Endgame, but it appears even in Avengers 1 and even CA The First Avenger (It was originally the Tesseract theme). I agree about AoU's theme, it's great and Underrated, same with Ultron's own theme. I think the biggest omission from this video (Which is fair, since it's more prominent on phase 4, but it's still recurring in phase 3) is Falcon's theme (Or I guess Sam Wilson's theme) which was used kinda briefly in Winter Soldier, in Ant Man (it's a mashup with Ant Man's own theme as they fight!), returns very briefly in Civil War and is later expanded to be the main theme of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, it's an example of expanding on a brief theme instead of making a new one when a previously introduced hero gets it's own show/movie (this is probably because WS and FatWS are both scored by Jackman) Hopefully it's not dropped for the next cap movie. The other glaring omission imo (even if it's just in 2 movies) is the Helicarrier theme, it plays in the OG Avengers when the Helicarrier first lifts off and then it returns very triumphantly when Fury comes in it to save the Sokovians in AoU. It's one of my favourite MCU themes, and very underrated imo. Anyway, great video, really appreciate the in-depth analysis, hopefully we get a sequel once phase 4 is over!

[@never.nothing]

I'm gonna keep all of those phase 4 comments in my back pocket, for when i make one of these about the multiverse saga in a couple years ;) that's awesome that they had loki's theme in ragnarok!! i'm super mad i didn't catch that one haha and also that's crazy about the portals theme showing up the TFA I never knew that either!! i think next time around i should consult you before making one of these haha you've got lots great insight! always good to hear from ya julian!!

[@julianxamo7835]

@@never.nothing I actually have a terrible ear for this sort of thing, but I love it when it's pointed out to me so I probably have watched every video on the topic and read a lot of reddit posts about it as well, that's why I know so much I'd love to help on the research that way tho, hit me up in 3/4 years when you make the Multiverse saga video lol

[@LittleMissMarvel]

This is such a beautiful video. Scores are greatly important thing for me when watching a movie, the emotions they help capture are as important as what you're seeing. Really appreciate the effort you've put in to this video. Really glad I found it ❤

[@never.nothing]

i'm glad you enjpyed it!! thanks for the comment :)

[@bldngtrpdr]

speaking of spider man theme, it's growing up with peter. in homecoming we see peter as light-hearted teenager, but in the end of the movie it becomes more collected. in far from home his theme becomes more sacramental, as we see peter as more adult-like, than teenage kid. he learns to use his spider sense, and his webbing-skills seem to be way more professional. and in the end, in no way home, we see peter as an adult. it becomes with anxiety and chaosy events, end then goes deeper and deeper, as events in spidey's life start to be more dramatic and insecure, but in the end it is not the same theme, that we heard in the beginning of homecoming. it's an anthem of spider-man, his own responsibility theme (peter parker picked a perilously precarious profession), and choir adds even more celebrating to this dramatic, but so promising ending. also, can't ignore the shield of pain theme, where we can hear toby and andrew's themes (toby's classic theme and andrew's theme from tasm 1) one more time, as well as otto's, norman's and max's

[@samandmagnoliafilms6581]

I can’t imagine the time that went into this video!!! It’s amazing!

[@everettadkins3530]

this was an incredible video. well done with the research and thanks for sharing!

[@never.nothing]

thanks for watching!!

[@reporterkermit3728]

Finally had the time to watch, absolutely awesome video. I hope it catches on the youtube algorithm because this deserves way more views!!

[@never.nothing]

thanks reporter kermit!! it's always a pleasure seeing you in the comments haha

[@reporterkermit3728]

@@never.nothing always happy to be here my dude, you kill it every time!!

[@jacliffh9221]

A few things to point out, that hopefully wasn’t already mentioned by others: 1. Jackman’s TWS theme is actually referenced in the main Civil War theme, it’s the rapidly descending notes that accompany the main chords of ‘Taking a Stand’, which showed up in the main Civil War theme, although we only hear it once, during the credits. I think I read it somewhere that Henry’s TWS theme was considered ‘not superhero enough’ by some fan feedbacks (which is a little odd to me) and Civil War’s theme is essentially his answer to that. 2. Brian Tyler’s involvement in AoU is a very interesting case, as he was initially brought on as the main composer, but his soundtrack (especially his AoU leitmotif) ended up being rejected by Marvel. Danny Elfman was brought on to rescore a large portion of the film. Tyler’s theme would contain none of the elements from Silvestri’s original leitmotif (you can hear the leaked version online), and if that ended being the movie’s main theme, Silvestri’s Avengers theme may never be what it became today, and would likely just be remembered as the ‘Avengers 1 theme’. Tyler’s leitmotif can still be heard in the movie during the opening titles and some action sequences, and once you hear it you can’t unhear it. As some of the sequences that involve Vision is accompanied by Tyler’s music, it can actually be somewhat interpreted as Vision’s theme (but actually not as it’s not intentional be). 3. Another thing I really like about Ragnarok’s theme is that Mark kept it in the same chords as The Dark World’s theme, he even kept the first few notes the same. So it seems like an evolution of the previous theme (coupled with the facts he reused two pieces of music from the previous 2 movies it seems like he really respected Thor’s musical elements). Anyways, amazing (and really necessary) video on this topic!

[@itznotepik]

This really deserves way more views! Kept me glued to the screen for all 1 1/2 hours! Keep up with the good work!

[@the_pheonix1]

Incredible video. I even shed a few tears here and there. Did not expect that.

[@haveidonethisbefore]

its a crime how underrated this video is

[@theAxiss1]

Man you deserve much more of an audience than this, you got my sub hope you make it great content.

[@Rileycevans]

LETS GOOOOO

[@brennanpeterhunt]

Nice motion graphics

[@nothing6431]

HES BACK!

[@maximussin8481]

You’re an amazing content creator, congrats

[@The_guy_that_does_stop-motion]

Man this deserves way more attention

[@Kyleand3rror]

Very glad shorts helped me rediscover this channel

[@noahspeer356]

In Spider-Man Far From Home when Mysterio and Peter are talking in the bar in Prague you can hear the same Iron Man theme that was used in Homecoming

[@never.nothing]

really?? aw man that's so cool i can't believe i missed it!!

[@dqas1922]

Amazing video

[@layana2691]

This video is great! Thank you very much for all the work and love you put into it, I really enjoyed watching it. I find it fascinating how soundtracks work and I love the MCU, so it was the perfect mix. Thank you 😊 And I‘ll make sure to take a look at your other videos :)

[@never.nothing]

thank you so much for watching!!

[@matheuscerqueira9802]

I loved this video! Very good work 😍😍😍

[@A2forty]

I think this is the big weakness of the MCU. Not the villains but the music. With no good leitmotif the movies miss the themes that can cross not just between movies but between characters.

[@caitlin3810]

I really like that black panther’s main theme is for Wakanda and not T’Challa specifically too - obviously it ended up working out for them so they can use it for Shuri’s Black Panther, but it also gives it more flexibility, like how it shows up in What If when T’Challa sees Wakandan tech for the first time since his abduction. Anyway amazing vid, very detailed and well edited; I can’t imagine how much work must have gone into it. Would love to see a follow up for phase 4 if that’s something you’d be interested in, since I think there’s a lot to unpack there with its music and use of themes

[@TechSpaceCowboy]

KZbin is better with your channel around. Keep it up my dude

[@eggoryheffley7569]

Fun fact: the only thing close to musical continuity for the Hulk in the Infinity Saga (As I know of now, and for being the sole thing close, it’s pretty darn close) is covers of “The Lonely Man” from the 1978 The Incredible Hulk series being played in The Incredible Hulk and Thor: Ragnarok Edit: I probably should've considered Bruce and Natasha's love theme from AoU returning in Ragnarok

[@never.nothing]

hahaha that's awesome, i didn't know that!!

[@eggoryheffley7569]

@@never.nothing Also the theme at 11:35 isn’t the Iron Man 1 theme, as the Iron Man 2 credits don’t acknowledge the Iron Man 1 theme or any theme written by Ramin Djawdi being in the film

[@MrFanSoundtracks]

​@@eggoryheffley7569Tbf a lot of marvel projects ignore composer credits, I noticed this with a few What If episodes.

[@eggoryheffley7569]

@@MrFanSoundtracks true, so maybe it is

[@Kompatainment]

Great video!

[@never.nothing]

thank you!!

[@SchardtCinematic]

I was always upset at the Iron Manmusic wasn't consistent over all 3 films. Driving with the top Down. Should ha e been in every Iron Man film.

[@marcklencirius4800]

I love this

[@starfalchion4404]

I can’t believe I’ve never seen this video up until now! I love the MCU’s music and leitmotifs. I’ve always loved them and get sad when I hear people call the music “unmemorable”. I’m so glad they’re getting better at continuity. Though, I am sad you didn’t talk about No Way Home’s score which keeps music continuity within the MCU but also with the Raimi and Webb movies. Not only that, I think it is the final part of the evolution of Giacchino’s theme, reflecting Peter’s arc. Actually, one thing I would like to add is that Brian Tyler apparently had another theme originally for the movie before Danny Elfman came in to add more admittedly continuity to the score. I believe the leitmotif can still be heard in a few scenes of Age of Ultron. I do love the original Avengers theme but this theme does go hard as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3rGgWZ4Z9t8oa8 Finally, I do remember getting really hyped when the Endgame “To the End” trailer came out because it USED a bunch of the pre-established Marvel leitmotifs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpuxp32Lapd_rLc

[@tillytildaa3332]

I assume you've watched it but you should DEFINITELY make a video about the music in Across the Spider-Verse, it is WAY too good. The final song especially is an incredible standout and it's probably one of the greatest tracks OAT imo..but great video for sure! :D

[@goose7371]

So... I feel like this should be watched along with the EVery Frame a Painting video about the MCU's Lack of musical sticking power, lots of the "Why" gets answered there with the idea of reference music. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bafJop6srLxlnNU

[@hugocastilla3102]

Something good the Phase 4 has gave us is more musical continuity

[@never.nothing]

the music in black panther 2 was amazing!!!

[@tuftycupid8721]

How could you not mention the Porch theme from the very end of Infinity War? That is one of my favorite pieces of movie music ever.

[@Gao8lack]

1:20:08, also in Endgame, theres that bit on the piece "The how works"

[@daviddeitz8954]

Fun fact, the similarities between Ant-man and Mission Impossible are intentional! The composer wrote it thinking about the heist aspects of the film, so intentional wrote the theme in the same time signature!

[@daviddeitz8954]

Also, that wasp leitmotif utilizes some very rhythmic chromatic notes that reminds me of the “flight of the bumblebee”, so I think it would be fair to say that it’s her theme!

[@red5_skywalker]

The mission impossible main theme is in the 5/4 time signature while the Ant-Man main theme is in 7/4 - not the same, but a similar "heist" feel.

[@hugocastilla3102]

The Star Spangled Man song also returned in Falcon and the Winter Soldier

[@deadpoule4402]

Amazing video ! I think MCU music is amazing, but at the same time it frustrates me because it could have been so much more, and I think that you perfectly captured that feeling in this video. Although if I may have a small nitpick, you said at 54:31 that GIacchino vould have been the first composer to score two MCU movies in a row if it weren't for GotG 2, but it's not true. Both Silvestri (with Cap 1 and Avengers 1) and Tyler (with Iron Man 3 et Thor 2) already did this.

[@littledude6669]

Spider-Man does actually have a motif in Civil War

[@littledude6669]

So did Black Panther

[@TabooX1984]

"On your left."

[@DarthTingleBinks]

Civil War technically DOES have its own Captain America theme. It shows up again in a certain Phase 4 project. Multiple times, actually. It is totally different from the Winter Soldier theme, but I think there are some similarities.

[@b.easton1842]

The Captain America theme was also weirdly used lightly when Spiderman gets the Iron Spider suit in infinity war. That one always confused me

[@littledude6669]

1:04:45 that's the ancestral plane theme

[@ozy_mode5072]

bro could have done this for an actually good series

[@PathsUnwritten]

15:39 Bruce had already brought everyone back. Tony just killed Thanos.

[@satyagrahaa]

I‘d love to hear your thoughts on the use of the winter soldier theme

[@thebatmanbadass30000]

Unless u put an edit but u forgot the part 1 theme was in iron man 3 unless u quickly said it. If not it’s when Tony’s armor isn’t working after it came to him at the mansion and he’s walking the down the stairs in the suit

[@SchardtCinematic]

Captain America's theme is based on the composition Fanfare for the Common Man. Here is a version by Mannhiem Steamroller kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKfaqXieoZd3prM

[@KZt-Ksh]

Nice vid Iron Man 3 theme did kinda return in infinity war and has a soft cameo in Endgame's to the end trailer. Age of Ultron main theme by Elfman is just a subtle combination notes of iron man 3,thor dark world,caps The first avenger, avengers (2012 central part only) and even some notes for civil war(Jackman kinda takes some notes in aou for his cw theme) Thor Ragnarok main theme in a nutshell is just an altered note synth version of Tyler's thor dark world theme Also there was an unused score in iron man 2 that sounded kinda like iron man 1 theme listen to this→kzbin.info/www/bejne/m16Yd3poirelg5o at timestamp 0:48

[@MrFanSoundtracks]

When did the iron man 3 theme appear in infinity war? Im aware about everything else except that

[@KZt-Ksh]

@@MrFanSoundtracks kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXepqKmoa9Flo68 at 0:55 the score kinda sounds like the im 3 theme but only taken the 3 conclusion notes although much slower and a bit dif notes (References:0:47 from the original kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5XSXpRnjJ2mhJo).

[@yrdonp1131]

On everything i thought the starwars theme was the 20th century fox theme💀 i feel dumb even though im no starwars fan

[@Lonely_frogg]

is it just me or the sacrifice theme sounds like the ps 4/5 spiderman?

[@jakubaipldauer2786]

The instrument in Dr Strange theme is probably harpsichord, not clavichord.

[@never.nothing]

thank you!!!

[@Masonhill76]

Why did you skip No Way Home Multiverse of Madness and Love and Thunder?

[@red5_skywalker]

Did you miss the part where he said he's only covering the Infinity Saga?

[@pontus1420]

omg you've just stole the other video

[@CiphersVII]

?

[@darth_kal-el]

The reason a lot of the music didn't return was because if Ike Perlmutter. He was very much notoriously a penny pusher. He refused to pay to reuse the music. This is on record. He's on record as stating 'no one cares about the music. we aren't paying for it.' etc. He also didn't want to pay RDJ to come back for CIVIL WAR. When Fegie took full control over Marvel Studios that's when things began to change.