Spyro Fans React as Legendary Composer Won’t Return for A Realm Beyond

One of the first pieces of disappointing news surrounding Spyro: A Realm Beyond has arrived, and it centers on a name that many longtime fans closely associate with the franchise. Stuart Copeland, the composer behind the music of the original Spyro trilogy, has confirmed that he is not involved in the newly announced sequel. 

The game is set to launch in 2027 and will be the first completely original Spyro title since 2008. While excitement around the project remains high, the news has sparked discussion about what the series could sound like without one of its most recognizable creative contributors.

Copeland’s connection to Spyro has never been entirely straightforward. 

He composed the music for the first three games, stepped away for later entries, returned for Enter the Dragonfly, and then largely moved on from the franchise again. His involvement over the years has been occasional rather than consistent, creating a relationship with the series that has gone through several different phases.

Years later, he contributed new theme music for the Reignited Trilogy, giving fans another reminder of how important his work has been to the series’ identity. Even though he has never dedicated his entire public presence to Spyro, his affection for the franchise has always seemed genuine.

That connection was visible again recently when Copeland shared a video showcasing himself performing various parts of Spyro music. For many a fan, it was a reminder of how unique his compositions still are even decades later. He had a unique style of music, always mixing rhythms, bass lines, and percussion, which helped to set the mood for the old games. 

According to comments made to The Independent, Copeland confirmed that he was not asked to participate in A Realm Beyond. He explained that the development team appears to be pursuing a new direction, saying that it is “a new generation” and that the game’s creators want “a new generation of sound.” 

He also suggested that the goal is to modernize the franchise. He didn't seem to mind the decision, or to criticize the team or the project. Instead, his comments indicated to me that he understands why the developers would want to create a new identity for the series as it enters a new era.

However, for many players, the news still feels big because Spyro’s music has always been a big part of the series’ identity. 

Just as certain franchises are instantly associated with their soundtracks, Spyro’s music often comes to mind alongside its gameplay, characters, and world design. The soundtrack was never simply background noise. It helped define the feel of every level and became one of the defining features that set Spyro apart from other platformers of its day.

Listening to those original tracks today, you can see just how distinctive Copeland’s style was. His compositions leaned heavily on rhythm and percussion, reflecting his background as a drummer while creating sounds that felt different from many game soundtracks at the time. Even without the visuals on screen, many of the tracks remain instantly recognizable. 

At the same time, there are signs that the new team is making an effort to respect the series’ musical roots. The music featured in the reveal trailer for A Realm Beyond has received positive reactions from some listeners. While it clearly aims for a larger and more cinematic presentation, parts of it seem to echo elements of the original Spyro sound. Certain musical cues and transitions have been described as reminiscent of techniques Copeland used in the earliest games.

The trailer also uses music to emphasize the scale of Spyro’s return. 

Moments like Spyro’s epic entrance and the return of voice actor Tom Kenny make it feel like there’s supposed to be a big comeback for the franchise. Fans will remember that feeling from the original trilogy, but the soundtrack is bigger and more epic in style. It remains to be seen if that approach will resonate with players, though it will likely be clearer when more footage is released.

Franchises often do suffer when key creative people leave. Some shows retain the same composers, writers, or directors for decades, while others evolve with new talent and fresh ideas. Both approaches can work if handled carefully. The biggest thing is whether or not the new team understands the tone and identity that made the original games successful in the first place.

That is why the decision has generated mixed reactions. Some fans understand the desire to move in a different direction and give the game its identity. Others believe Copeland was uniquely qualified to preserve the spirit of classic Spyro while still adapting his work to modern expectations. 

Despite the disappointment, there is no indication that fans are directing frustration toward whoever ultimately composes the game’s soundtrack. Most reactions have focused on surprise that bringing back Copeland was apparently a minor priority during development. With Tom Kenny returning as the voice of Spyro, some expected the studio to pursue a similar reunion on the music side. 

As development continues, the quality of the final soundtrack will likely shape how much of a concern this decision becomes. For now, Copeland’s absence stands as one of the first major talking points surrounding Spyro: A Realm Beyond. There are still lots of fans excited for the game, but this situation is a reminder that even big anticipated reboots can go in unexpected directions as they continue.