Disney's upcoming film Jungle Cruise has got some significant star power in the project's music department. Iconic heavy metal band Metallica will create an orchestral version of "Nothing Else Matters" alongside composer James Newton Howard especially for the movie.
"It really goes back to [Disney production president] Sean Bailey, who is a lifelong rock fan," Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich explained to Collider, "and is just all-around one of the greatest, most friendly, generous, warm, and embracing people you'll find in the music business." While the thought of one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history working with Disney may surprise some, Ulrich revealed that Bailey was responsible for the musical crossover.
"We've gotten to know each other well," said Ulrich. "My wife and I are big Disney fans, so there's a great friendship there, and he's always looked for the right match where there was a way that Metallica could contribute to some project of theirs." The drummer has expressed he believes Jungle Cruise is the right fit for the band's sensibilities, with Bailey leading the charge, and the musical talent evident in James Newton Howard's track record over an illustrious career.
Jungle Cruise, which is based on Disney Parks' classic attraction of the same name, is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Whitehall, Emily Blunt, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti and Èdgar Ramírez. The film will arrive in theaters on July 30, 2021.