Ari Aster Reveals Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” Was His First Choice for “Eddington” Fight Scene
Ari Aster, the visionary director behind Hereditary and Midsommar, is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking—from unsettling visuals to carefully curated soundtracks. In a recent interview, Aster revealed an unexpected musical choice for his upcoming film Eddington: Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ iconic anthem “Empire State of Mind” was his first pick for a pivotal fight scene.
The Unlikely Choice for a Tense Moment
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Aster shared that he initially envisioned “Empire State of Mind” playing during a brutal fight sequence in Eddington, a neo-Western thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal.
“There’s something surreal about juxtaposing an intense, violent moment with a song that’s so celebratory and anthemic,” Aster explained. “I wanted the contrast to be jarring—almost like the scene is mocking the chaos happening on screen.”
However, due to licensing complications, the track couldn’t be cleared in time. Instead, Aster opted for an original score, but the idea of Jay-Z’s hip-hop classic underscoring a gritty confrontation remains a fascinating “what-if.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The revelation sparked lively discussions online. Film buffs and music fans took to Twitter (X) to share their thoughts:
“Ari Aster using ‘Empire State of Mind’ in a fight scene is the most unhinged genius idea ever. I need this alternate cut NOW.” – @FilmTheoryBro
“Imagine Pedro Pascal throwing punches while Jay-Z shouts ‘Concrete jungle where dreams are made of’… cinema would’ve peaked.” – @CinemaSinsExtra
A viral TikTok edit even reimagined the moment, splicing together footage from Aster’s previous films with the song:
Music in Ari Aster’s Films: A Signature Touch
Aster has a history of using music in unexpected ways. Hereditary featured eerie choral arrangements, while Midsommar incorporated Swedish folk music to contrast its horrific imagery. Beau Is Afraid included a bizarrely comedic use of a pop song during a chaotic chase sequence.
Film critic David Ehrlich noted:
“Aster understands that music doesn’t just set the tone—it can subvert it. His choices often make scenes more unsettling or darkly funny.”
What We Know About Eddington
While plot details remain under wraps, Eddington is described as a “neo-noir Western” following a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) grappling with moral decay. The fight scene in question reportedly involves a showdown between Phoenix and Pascal’s characters.
Emma Stone, who previously worked with Aster on Poor Things, praised his unconventional approach:
“Ari has this way of finding the absurdity in darkness. Even in the most violent scenes, there’s something oddly poetic—or in this case, musical.”
Could the Jay-Z Track Appear Later?
While “Empire State of Mind” didn’t make the final cut, Aster hinted at a possible director’s cut or special release featuring the original soundtrack idea.
“Never say never,” he teased. “Maybe for the Blu-ray.”
Final Thoughts
Ari Aster’s creative process continues to fascinate audiences. Whether through haunting visuals or bold musical choices, he pushes boundaries in ways few directors dare. While we may never see Eddington’s fight scene set to Jay-Z’s anthem, the mere idea adds another layer to Aster’s reputation as a filmmaker who thrives on the unexpected.
Would “Empire State of Mind” have worked in Eddington? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
