Monday, June 28, 2010

Exclusive: Bono writing music for Brave?

New information suggests that U2 frontman Bono is writing music —possibly an original song— for a future Pixar feature, most likely Brave (in theatres June 15, 2012).

Bono may be working with U2's guitarist The Edge, with whom he's collaborated on previous non-band projects.

I won't be discussing sources for this story and, of course, it couldn't be further from being officially confirmed. But it does seem reasonably solid at this point.

A while back, a Pixarian or two let it slip on Twitter that Bono had been to the studio in Emeryville. Didn't think too much of it at the time and so can't recall exactly when this was. I'm sure it was within the past year.

Those tweets are nowhere to be found now, so if you remember when it was —what month— please let me know.

In February, former Pixar CFO Ali Rowghani, who at the time was leaving the studio to become CFO of Twitter, tweeted about Bono's visit as his "Pixar memory #5".

Yours truly is a huge U2 fan. They made a stop in Toronto last September on their U2 360° Tour and I was blown away by the show —they're one of the biggest acts on the planet right now. Very disappointed when it was announced last month that the next leg of the tour would be postponed until next year due to Bono suffering a herniated disc in his spine.

So, what's your take on Bono/U2 doing a song for a Pixar movie? "Beautiful Day"? Or will you feel "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of"?

Photo: Bono at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. By David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons.

36 comments:

Fett101 said...

Do not want.

Logan Pearsall said...

Yeah... that seems like a weird move for Pixar to make. Although, I trust their judgement. If it fits the story and he's the guy to make it happen, then I'll give him the benefit of at least a doubt.

Daniel said...

What? I thought Randy Newman was doing music for that?

Anonymous said...

Please no. I can't stand Bono.

Anonymous said...

As a fan of Alternative Rock and Coldplay, this might be the reason for me to see this movie.

Keane Music Argentina said...

Damn, that will be amazing. I love U2 and that should be really interesting. I hope this rumour is true and I also hope that they do an original song for this movie. Can't wait for "Brave", because I've just decided that I'm not going to see "Cars 2" on the next year :S

Batman said...

I'm afraid that this would be dangerously close to how other studios sell the 'name' voice talent. You know...Dreamworks' or Sony's or whoever's newest film staring Jerry Seinfeld or Adam Sandler or Micheal Douglas.

To use someone like Bono - and I admit that I'm not a U2 fan at all -but to use ANY big name artist to me is not the Pixar way. Even when they use name people like Sarah Maclaughlin, it's a surprise until the song starts. And timeless.

Anyway...I've loved everything that Pixar has ever done. I've seen every one of there movies the first weekend and never been disappointed. So I'll trust their judgement over my own.

After all...when was the last time that I created a multi-billion dollar industry?

GlobeReacher said...

U2 may be a good band, but I'm not sure it can be a good thing for a Pixar film...

nick said...

I'm kinda surprised at these comments because I think it could be a really good fit, something like what Phil Collins did with Tarzan.

I'm thinking less Batman Forever soundtrack, more something nice like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jw8j7buQlY

Anonymous said...

Well, we might see a Randy Newman and Bono collaboration...this will definetly rock!

Anonymous said...

I hope thiw isn't true.

It's the start of the Disneyfication of Pixar and nothing good will come of it.

Want animated films that brag about their star power as a selling point, watch a dreamworks cartoon.

Anonymous said...

Keane Music Argentina is an idiot for not watching Cars 2.

Anonymous said...

I would think it's for Cars 2.

Robby said...

Sounds a little odd, but I trust Pixar. Guess we'll wait and see.

Anonymous said...

I dont know why "kaene music argentina" is not going to watch cars 2, anybody of us has not seen part of it yet,,, I bet you that when you watch the first trailer you will get interested in this film, ,,,,we can not judge of something we havent seen,,,,

if bono makes a good job I will support it,,
we have to difference between between score and song

Score: Randy Newman
Song: Bono

Anonymous said...

Wait..isn't this rock music? And isn't Brave a fairy tale...?

Anonymous said...

I'm so tired of Randy Newman scoring Pixar films. It's becoming a crutch.

And I don't think bringing in a big name like Bono on-board is a good idea. It just distracts from the movie itself.

Reuben said...

Why do you say that it's "most likely Brave"? If Bono's been working with them (or at least talking to them) since before February it seems like it could easily be Cars 2. Rock music would fit well into the racing atmosphere of Cars, especially with the world tour thing.

Of course, we don't know yet whether he'll just be writing or writing and singing. It could be a credits song. Whatever is happening, though, this is interesting news.

Unusual, certainly, but Pixar hasn't given us a reason to doubt them. It'll work somehow.

Keane Music Argentina said...

I'm not going to see Cars 2 because I'm not a huge fan of the first movie. I think I'll wait for the movie to come on DVD. It's my f*cking opinion (yeah, that's for the "brave" Anonymous who said I'm an idiot).

Jordan said...

Randy Newman? I thought Michael Giacchino was doing Brave's music.
And when is Thomas Newman going to score another Pixar film?

Anonymous said...

Best. Rumor. Ever

Anonymous said...

Keane Music Argentina is an idiot because he doesn't see every Pixar movie in theaters.

Anonymous said...

I can see it, although U2 would not be my first choice. Should be fun, though!

Keane Music Argentina said...

Anynomous: visit ebay and click where it says SEARCH and type: "a life" ;) get a life dude, you suck

Anonymous said...

I'd love it if Bono and The Edge were involved. Power to Pixar if the rumor is true!

Leirin said...

Randy Newman? Michael Giacchino!? Now, I heard that *Thomas* Newman was doing the score. And now I'm REALLY confused.
Well, not sure if this is a good thing or not... I've liked what I've heard of U2, but will it fit a fairy tale? (If Brave really is the movie it's for)

And Mike, do you mind if I link to this blog post for my site? I'm trying to cover the development of Brave and it seems interesting enough. (Unless you very strictly want it exclusive)

Mike said...

I appreciate every link I can get!

GlobeReacher said...

I do believe this blog post gets the "TPB Most Controversial Post" award.

But on a different note, I definitely do think that U2 would be a better fit for Cars 2. It makes a lot more sense.

Anonymous said...

With the Cars 2 international storyline, I think it would be most likely that a U2 song could play well over a European setting.

And really, it's not anyone else's business what anyone does or doesn't want to see. There's no point insulting each other over it...

Anonymous said...

Wow. This will be an amazing thing. Pixar and U2. Two creative groups that don't disappoint and who are always leading the way. I hope this is true. Excited to see what "Brave" is all about. Sounds like a film we need.

Jason G. said...

Randy Newman isn't a crutch to Pixar. He did the first four films (TS1, TS2, ABL, MI) and then returned for Cars, then Toy Story 3. He had to come back for TS3 since he is part of the enduring legacy. But Thomas Newman and Michael Giacchino have done most of the films inbetween. Clearly the company is showing a penchant for varying things up (The last three films were composed by three different composers). And have a perfect trio right there. These guys are talented.

As for Bono, well I love U2 but i'd also be weary of how much his involvement would be. Let's not forget that Peter Gabriel did the credits song for WALL-E, John Mayer did a cover of Route 66 for Cars, and even Robert Goulet did an in-movie sequence at the end of TS2. I'd hesitate to see the truth of the rumor and then how its executed before becoming critical of a flawless studio.

Anonymous said...

While I'll admit this is very odd to hear, I would, first and foremost, trust Pixar's judgment on this more than anything. Pixar does not do missteps. I'm new to this site and therefore probably less informed than most, but I trust Pixar.

While I happen to be a huge U2 fan, I would understand why someone would question Bono and the Edge's ability to melt into a Pixar film. I do not see this being some famous voice talent stuff though. Pixar doesn't do anything dumb. If Bono is brought in, he won't be up to his antics.

Furthermore, I think people have to realize how talented Bono and the Edge are. I don't mean for what they do with U2, but as simple musicians. They've contributed a lot of music, in a number of genres, to many projects. While U2 may have a sound, they can do anything.

This could only be a good thing if it were to happen.

Anonymous said...

Also, let me say that Pixar has proved exceptionally smart at their choices for music, and the music has always fit the films perfectly - in my mind.

legosamiscool said...

I'm sad summers over.

Anonymous said...

This isn't the first time a "big name" is in a Pixar film. Tom Hanks stars in the Toy Story films as Woody. Does that mean Pixar got him to voice because he's famous? No, it's because he did a fantastic job. I really don't understand where all the fuss is coming from.

Try and trust Pixar's judgement. They know what they're doing :)

Anonymous said...

I am a huge U2 fan and Bono and the Edge are very capable of doing anything they want with thie r musical ability, and fame. Stop 'dissin Bono. He is better then you may think.