Alan Menken Scores Netflix’s ‘Spellbound’: A Musical Fairytale with Rachel Zegler

Alan Menken Composes for “Spellbound”

Skydance Animation enlisted Alan Menken to score its animated musical “Spellbound.” Menken, an eight-time Oscar winner, has a renowned history with princess films, including “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Plot Overview

“Spellbound” is now streaming on Netflix. In the film, Rachel Zegler plays Princess Ellian, who aims to lift a curse that transformed her parents, portrayed by Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, into monsters. The voice cast features John Lithgow, Jennifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, and Nathan Lane.

Collaboration

Glenn Slater collaborated with Menken on lyrics. Zegler praised their partnership, calling it a “match made in heaven.” She initially joined as a scratch vocalist but eventually became the lead voice for Ellian after nearly five years of recording.

Character Connection

The opening song, “My Parents are Monsters,” sets the tone for Ellian’s character. Slater explained that they shaped Ellian’s voice to reflect a modern teenage girl. In contrast, her subsequent song, “The Way It Was Before,” explores her emotions as she longs for normalcy. Menken described this ballad’s introduction as reflecting something beautiful that has been broken.

Standout Performances

Zegler impressed the cast with her singing ability. Kidman commented on her superb voice. Lithgow’s performance of “I Could Get Used to This” injected humor into the film, with lines highlighting a playful perspective on unexpected experiences.

Lyric Insights

Menken and Slater expressed pride in memorable lyrics. Slater humorously noted the word “larva-less” while Menken emphasized the emotional resonance of well-crafted music and lyrics. Their focus is on ensuring that each song aligns with character emotions.

Long-Term Partnership

Menken and Slater have collaborated on multiple projects. Menken appreciates how their different approaches complement each other. They trust that their brainstorming process creates lasting melodies that connect with audiences.

This content captures key elements of “Spellbound” while remaining clear and engaging, ensuring both readability and audience connection.