The music score for Avatar 3 is expected to continue the rich musical legacy established by James Horner in the original Avatar film, with Simon Franglen taking the lead as composer. Franglen, who worked closely with Horner on the original Avatar and Titanic soundtracks, as well as serving as lead music arranger on Avatar, is uniquely positioned to honor Horner’s vision while expanding the musical landscape for the new installment. After Horner’s passing in 2015, Franglen has carried forward the musical themes and emotional depth that defined the franchise’s sound, notably composing the score for Avatar: The Way of Water, the second film in the series[1][4].
Simon Franglen’s approach to the Avatar scores blends traditional orchestral elements with innovative electronic textures. He uses advanced digital tools such as Pro Tools and Sibelius to create an elaborate yet intuitive workflow that allows him to focus on creativity rather than technical limitations. Franglen explains that he avoids using straightforward synthesizer sounds; instead, he manipulates organic or natural instrument samples to generate the otherworldly textures that characterize the Avatar soundscape. This technique helps maintain a connection to the natural world, which is a core theme of the films, while also pushing the boundaries of cinematic music[2].
The recording process for the Avatar scores is highly sophisticated. The orchestra is recorded at high resolution (96 kHz) on one Pro Tools rig, while synthetic elements are recorded separately at 48 kHz on another rig. These are then mixed together on a third rig, resulting in a complex layering of more than 96 tracks of stems and multitracks. This meticulous process ensures a rich, immersive sound that complements the visual grandeur of Pandora and its ecosystems[2].
For Avatar 3, audiences can expect a continuation and evolution of the musical motifs introduced in the first two films. Themes related to the natural world, the spiritual connection between characters and their environment, and the emotional journeys of the protagonists will likely be explored through a blend of orchestral grandeur and innovative sound design. Franglen’s experience with live orchestral performances, such as those featured in Avatar Live in Concert events, suggests that the score will be crafted to resonate powerfully both on screen and in live settings, enhancing the immersive experience of the film’s storytelling[1].
Given Franglen’s history of collaboration with James Horner and his deep understanding of the Avatar universe’s musical identity, the score for Avatar 3 is expected to be both a tribute to Horner’s original work and a fresh, dynamic composition that pushes the franchise’s sound into new territories. The use of organic sounds manipulated electronically will likely continue to reflect the films’ environmental themes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things on Pandora. This approach not only supports the narrative but also elevates the emotional impact of key scenes, from intimate character moments to epic action sequences[1][2][4].
In summary, Simon Franglen’s role as the composer for Avatar 3 promises a score that is deeply rooted in the musical traditions established by James Horner, enriched by modern technology and Franglen’s own creative vision. Fans can anticipate a soundtrack that balances orchestral majesty with innovative sound textures, enhancing the immersive world of Pandora and the emotional depth of the story. The score will likely continue to be a vital element in bringing the film’s themes of nature, connection, and adventure to life through music.
