Speculation about which Star Wars talents might return for Episode VII have been swirling since the moment Episode VII was announced, and talk has only heated up since J.J. Abrams was formally announced as director. Last week, we got word that Harrison Ford could reprise his role as Han Solo, and today we’ve learned that another, possibly even more iconic figure is eager to come back.

According to a new report, composer John Williams has voiced his interest in working on the next trilogy. Williams’ work for the original remains one of the best loved movie scores of all time, so this seems like great news all around. Unless, that is, you’re Michael Giacchino, who’d probably be the favorite to score if this were any other Abrams project but Star Wars. Hit the jump to keep reading.

The John Williams Fan Network (via First Showing) picked up quote, which comes from from a recent YMF gala in Los Angeles.

We’re about to play Star Wars [audience interrupts with cheers] and each time we play it, I’m reminded of the first time we played it decades ago. Neither I, nor George, nor anyone else involved thought this would go far or in a few years there would be a sequel and I’d have to revisit the themes… and years later another trilogy. Now we’re hearing of a new set of movies coming in 2015, 2016… so I need to make sure I’m still ready to go in a few years for what I hope would be continued work with George.

It’s far from a confirmation that he’ll be scoring Episode VII, but it sounds like he wants to at least throw his hat into the ring. And considering that he’s composed the music for all six previous Star Wars films, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if Lucasfilm took him up on his informal offer.

If this news has a downside, though, it’s that Williams’ involvement could leave Abrams’ favored composer Giacchino out in the cold. The pair have worked together on all four of Abrams’ feature directorial efforts to date, as several TV endeavors including Lost and Alias. It’s been three and a half decades since Williams wrote that instantly recognizable theme, so it could be interesting to see what a fresher, younger composer might bring to the table.

Discuss: Are you pleased Williams might return, or are you still rooting for Giacchino to get the job? Or are you holding out hope for someone else altogether?