Redditor Proves Rogue One’s Theme Sounds Just Like Imperial March

Someone noticed that Rogue One’s “Hope” theme sounds just like the iconic Imperial March tune from Empire Strikes Back and set out to prove it.

Despite being composed by two different people, it really comes as no surprise that Rogue One’s soundtrack sounds incredibly similar to other Star Wars films. They’re all from the same studio, and obviously, the same franchise. In fact, The Force Awakens also built upon themes from the previous saga films. In a way, the music is what ties all the films together.

So, to really prove this point, two Redditors (cyborgcommando0 and Frank Lehman, a Tufts professor via io9) decided to overlay the tracks and demonstrate their similarities. Specifically, when the fanfare from the Imperial March is sped up, it sounds just like the choral elements from “Hope“.

Listen below:

Known mostly as Darth Vader’s theme song, the Imperial March is deeply associated with him. And it tends to stop many Star Wars fans in their tracks when it’s heard, just because its so good and so chilling. Yet, Rogue One‘s composer, Michael Giacchino hid the theme in a song called, “Hope.” Giacchino has worked with Disney and all its studios before, though he’s the first person to score a Star Wars film who isn’t John Williams. This serves an excellent nod to his predecessor. But since it’s a standalone, it’s a great way to set the movie apart while still paying homage to the original.

Of course, Rogue One pulled this off in several other ways, too. They also digitally incorporated Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia. By doing so, Rogue One remains an individual film that still fits in perfectly with its franchise.

Related Story: This Star Wars/Stranger Things Art Proves We Need a Young Leia Spinoff

Rogue One is now playing in theaters everywhere.