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Michael Giacchino Composing for Disney’s ‘Zootopia’

Published on November 16, 2015

Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino is embarking on his first-ever collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios to produce the score for the upcoming CG feature Zootopia, out March 4, 2016. Recording kicks off this week with an 80-piece orchestra conducted by Tim Simonec.

“In a world as vast as Zootopia, we needed someone who could deliver a score that can feel exotic and powerful, but also provide that same emotional intimacy,” said director Byron Howard. “We tell stories with images, Michael tells stories with music. Zootopia is a massive film with deep emotional themes running throughout the story, and Michael was the perfect choice to bring the music of this extraordinary animal world to life.”

Added director Rich Moore, “Zootopia is a thriving metropolis inhabited by animals from around globe, and Michael’s music has captured a wonderful international spirit that marries perfectly with the visuals. I’m very excited for audiences to experience this incredible new world we’ve created together.”

Giacchino’s credits include acclaimed feature animation and live-action projects including Disney-Pixar’s Inside Out, The Incredibles and Ratatouille as well as Jurassic World, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol and The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. His score for Disney-Pixar’s Up earned him honors from the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Broadcast Film Critics and two Grammys.

“I am really proud to be a part of this film,” said Giacchino. “It’s one of those films with a huge heart and wonderfully realized characters set within a story that’s not only incredibly fun and entertaining but takes an honest look at our own world and the important issues we deal with living in such a diverse society. That’s what really attracted me to the film—the chance to write music that reflects these kind of challenges.”