Luca Main Theme
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The Luca main theme and original score were composed by Dan Romer. Tasked with capturing the sun-drenched, nostalgic atmosphere of the Italian Riviera in the 1950s and 60s, Romer moved away from the traditional large-scale Disney-Pixar orchestral sound in favor of more intimate, folk-inspired instrumentation. The music relies heavily on the accordion and mandolin, instruments synonymous with the coastal town of Portorosso.
The theme captures the childlike wonder and curiosity of Luca Paguro as he emerges from the sea. The score evolves alongside the protagonist’s bravery, shifting from gentle, underwater-esque melodies to energetic, rhythmic tracks that underscore the Portorosso Cup race. Director Enrico Casarosa wanted the music to feel like a “warm summer memory,” and Romer achieved this by infusing the score with a sense of playfulness and Italian lyricism.
While the instrumental score anchors the film, it is also supported by a curated selection of Italian pop classics from the era (like “Un bacio a mezzanotte”), which further immerse the audience in Luca’s world of “Silenzio Bruno” and Vespa-fueled dreams.