John Murphy & David Fleming (Superman)

John Murphy & David Fleming (Superman)

From Score: The Podcast by Epicleff

August 4, 2025 · 1h 12m · Season 6 · Episode 9

About this episode

John Murphy and David Fleming discuss their collaboration on the score for James Gunn's SUPERMAN and their experiences in film composing.

Superstar composers John Murphy and David Fleming finally enter the same room (you read that correctly) after an unusual but groundbreaking experience co-composing the score for James Gunn’s SUPERMAN. How John’s electric guitar-focused approach (he writes themes on a zany guitar he named Ned Flanders) harnessed the majesty of John Williams’ iconic theme — and why the trailer debut was nerve racking to see if the world would accept his “version” of it. Also, how his precious guitar themes (28 Days Later, Sunshine) helped prep for how to treat this film with the sound needed. David and John discuss their breakthroughs in film composing — an internship leading to working with Hans Zimmer on The Lion King. Blue Planet II and Top Gun: Maverick — and a book titled “How To Write A Film Score” which was promptly discarded for a few pints. The duo also discuss their unique place in the massive re-launch of the DC Universe’s first film — tonally a new direction that called for embracing the campiness a little more, but also the authenticity. How John’s music was critical to filming, and later how David navigated a final push to expand the film’s musical scope thematically. Also…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kenny Holmes, Matt Schrader

Guests: John Murphy, David Fleming

Topics covered

  • film composing
  • music score
  • DC Universe
  • collaboration
  • interview

Keywords

  • John Murphy
  • David Fleming
  • film score
  • SUPERMAN
  • DC Universe
  • music composition
  • Hans Zimmer
  • interview

Sponsors

Vienna Symphonic Library

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: SUPERMAN, 28 Days Later, Sunshine, The Lion King, Blue Planet II, Top Gun: Maverick, How To Write A Film Score

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