Daredevil Fans are thrilled their beloved Hells Kitchen Hero is back in action, but X-Men fans know what having The Newton Brothers writing the score means!

If you have yet to watch the recently-released X-Men '97 Animated Series on Disney+, please do. In fact, maybe do so before reading any further then come back? For those of you who did enjoy it though, you know Marvel chose The Newton Brothers to re-record the iconic 1990's X-Men Animated Series theme song for X-Men '97 and has also chosen them to compose the score for the highly anticipated Daredevil: Born Again series on Disney+.

This has to be a dream come true for any musician, so how did this dynamic duo rise to such prominence to win such a feat?

Rise of the Newton Brothers

Composed of Andy Grush and Taylor Newton Stewart, the duo began their music industry journey with a shared passion for creating evocative and emotionally charged music. Their unique style blends orchestral arrangements with electronic elements, creating a sound that is both contemporary and timeless - likely influenced by their mentorship under HANS ZIMMER. Some of you may be too young to remember, but HOT DAMN Zimmer was part of the Buggles' Video Killed the Radio Star. 'Nuff Said.

Over the years, the Newton Brothers have composed scores for a wide range of projects, from horror films like "The Haunting of Hill House" to action-packed thrillers like "Doctor Sleep." Their versatility and talent for enhancing storytelling through music have earned them a loyal following and numerous accolades. Their ability to tap into the emotional core of a story though, has made them a favorite among filmmakers and show runners alike.

X-Men '97: A Blast from the Past

In the early '90s, the original X-Men Animated Series became a cultural phenomenon, with its catchy theme song becoming an earworm for an entire generation of fans. The theme, composed by Ron Wasserman, perfectly captured the energy and excitement of the show, making it an integral part of the series' identity.

Fast forward to the present day, where Marvel Studios has brought back that X-Men TV-nostalgia with X-Men '97, a continuation of the beloved animated series. When it came time to update the iconic theme song for a new generation, Marvel turned to none other than the Newton Brothers. Known for their ability to blend the old with the new, the duo was tasked with re-recording the theme song while maintaining the nostalgic essence that fans cherished.

The Newton Brothers approached this challenge with reverence and creativity, albeit served with a side of terror. They understood the importance of staying true to the original while infusing it with a modern twist, but were also respectful how meaningful this tune was for so many fans. The result? A theme song that not only honors the legacy of the original but also excites and energizes fans for the new series. Their rendition has been met with widespread acclaim, with fans praising the duo for their ability to capture the spirit of the X-Men while bringing it into the present day.

Get into YouTube to hear the X-Men '97 Original Soundtrack!

The Power of Music in Storytelling

Music (and of course, along with sound / sound effects) has always played a crucial role in the success of any television show or film. A well-composed score can elevate a scene, evoke deep emotions, and create lasting memories for the audience. The right music can make a good show great, and a great show unforgettable.

Let's not pretend we don't all know this from SOUND OF MUSIC...

The Newton Brothers have mastered the art of musical storytelling. Their ability to tap into the emotions of a scene and amplify them through music is what sets them apart. This talent was on full display in their reimagining of the X-Men theme, where they managed to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously creating something fresh and exciting. You just "knew" what was coming when hearing that opening tune!

Daredevil: Born Again – A New Challenge

Following their success with X-Men '97, Marvel Studios entrusted the Newton Brothers with yet another high-profile project: composing the score for Daredevil: Born Again. This series, set to debut on Disney+ in March 2025, is one of the most anticipated entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Daredevil is a character known for his dark, gritty, and complex narratives, and the music is expected to reflect that tone. The Newton Brothers are no strangers to composing for such emotionally intense projects, and fans are eagerly awaiting to hear how they will bring Daredevil's world to life through music. Better still - THEY LOVE DAREDEVIL COMICS!

I'm always kind of partial to actors & musicians who are fans of the characters or films they're associating in...Charlie Cox knows Daredevil, Chris Hemsworth knows Thor, RDJ knows Iron Man, etc. I GUFFAWED when I heard the actors for Madam Web touting there was no backstory...that you didn't need to know anything...barely any connection to Spider-Man...COME ON MAN... we all know her origin was in Sensational Spider-Man: Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaut Vol 1. So, knowing the Newton Bros are fans of my favourite street-level crime fighter is just incredibly encouraging!

I wrote about this previously, but wanted to bring it back quickly - if you also haven't seen the MARVEL / COCA-COLA commercial filmed in a comic book shop, well again...HERE YOU GO - https://youtu.be/_oI_B0OBgVw?si=u3YoRkZ5d3FZSxxm

The music beautifully guides you along the story and check out the subtitle: "Heroic Music Plays Throughout" - close your eyes and you can visualize how this would sound...it's that important!

AND - what do you think about that Daredevil Comic Cover Matt is interactively popping out of? Marvel released this Modern version of Daredevil Born Again on the VeVe Digital Collectibles Platform September 2023, and although the original BORN AGAIN series written by Frank Miller / Drawn by David Mazzucchelli first appeared in Daredevil #227 - 231 in 1986, I actually adore how Marvel is connecting all the marketing dots to put this together.

The Final Note

The Newton Brothers have masterfully blended nostalgia with modern innovation that not only won them fan admiration, but solidified their place as key players in Marvel's Musical Magic.

As a Marvel fan now 5 decades young, I am having an absolute blast with everything that's been happening, even enjoying the Internet mayhem caused by "some misses" like Madam Web or She-Hulk. I'm a big participant in digital collectibles like Disney, Cryptoys, Topps & others, but my real passion of course has been with VeVe who offer incredible digital comic titles across all age/eras with 3D, fully interactive & AR-capable digital collectibles that you can own, trade or place in augmented reality easily through their app on your phone. And guess what - many of those assets have INCREDIBLE SOUND that again, enhance the entire experience.

As I wait anxiously for March 2025 to roll around for Daredevil Born Again, I know one thing for certain - the volume on my TV knob will be CRANKED HARD to hear that first opening score, courtesy of The Newton Brothers!

Thanks for Reading!