James

And then Horner, through all the courses he attended and all the diplomas he got, thought "okay, I'm also worthy to say that I created this."

Across the Stars says "Hello there"

How many "next John Williams" have there been?

There have been next John Williams almost since there was a John Williams.  Who was the first next John Williams?

I plan to rip everything.

The composer has all the main credit.
 
This works on a cover:

Avatar: Music composed and conducted by James Horner, performed by the orchestra so-and-so.
 
This no works:
 
How to Train Your Dragon: Music composed by John Powell, conducted by Gavin Greenaway, orchestrated by a third guy,  performed by the orchestra so-and-so, and with extra composition and orchestration by Michael, Anne, Jordan, Peter and Ezekiel..

For those curious, apparently he died due to a cocaine overdose + prescription medication.
 
https://www1.wdr.de/radio/cosmo/musik/global-pop-news/global-pop-news-2070.html
 

Actually, that's true.  When Nimoy died someone I knew actually asked "He was in that Star Wars movie with Harrison Ford, right?"

Exactly. As exemplified when I was at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012, and people waved their light saber sticks when SUPERMAN was played. That's the theme's drawback; it's Straussian smilarities to other themes in Williams' oeuvre. M:I is far more idiosyncratic that way, for a general audience. But I voted STAR WARS nonetheless. It seems to have had a more consistent staying power in the public consciousness. But I agree with whoever said it's a bit farfetched to compare the two in terms of popularity, as no massive survey has been made. Better to just embrace them as two iconic film/TV themes.

In my experience, many people confuse the ROTLA, Superman and Star Wars themes if you play them. I would argue more average people recognize the fanfare from Jurassic Park than Star Wars.

I think less and less movie composers are able, firstly, to compose a score alone, and secondly, to conduct an orchestra (well, when there is an orchestra).

You're wrong.

It IS Williams.
Trust me.

But a lousy boat.

He never dated Goldsmith's daughter. They were (according to her in that long defunct / canceled biography) acquaintances / sort-of friends who hung out occasionally because he knew who her father was and he was interested in one of her friends (if I'm remembering that story correctly)
 

James Horner has earrings and a blue scarf
Giacchino a panama hat, eccentric suits and glasses with colored frames
Elfman has glasses with orange lenses and whenever he can dresses himself as if he were a character from Tim Burton
Zimmer always wears the joker's jacket
Williams always wears sweaters with turtlenecks
Desplat has that exquisitely combed hair and a french scarf
 
each one has his way of drawing attention

John Powell is the next one. He's only going to get better, especially if any more SW spinoffs are made-it seems JW has given him the reigns and approves.
I love Chicken Run very, very much, however since, John Powell has excelled.
John Powell Greatest Works
How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2
His top work to many. No. 3 on its way.
Solo: A Star Wars Story 
Unlike his fellow SW Spinoff Composer Mike Giacchino, he decided to write a number of great themes and motifs, bringing to life old ones of Williams composition.
Horton Hears a Who
It's Powell at his best-which is crazy because he's only getting better.
Ferdinand
I have not given it my full attention this yet, but a few bits sound great to my ears.
 
He also just released Hubris, the choral spectacular.
 
Harry Gregson-Williams is the black sheep in my books. I actually stopped a Narnia movie in disgust because of him. I don't really regard his work that much, so it's not fair. 

I have no idea what HGW does beyond his three Powell collaborations, but hopefully The Meg will be fun. 
 
"Really, Sev? The first time you're curious about a HGW score and it's for a dumb monster movie?"
I am who I am.
 
As for Powell...pardon my language, but fuck yeah, he has. Powell only gets better and better with each passing year. 

Yes, it's not even close to my favorite from either.
 
EDIT: At Fal's behest, I'll clarify I don't know or give a crap about HGW's career.  I really just mean Powell.

Godzilla Theme and Original Godzilla Music by Akira Ifukube
Adapted and Composed by Bear McCreary
Cue Titles by Michael Giacchino
 

I sure hope he'll keep Desplat's theme as well. It was badass!

Ugh, I’m not saying it can’t be good, but it’s a little frustrating when a composer I like gets their big break and has to work with existing themes

How bored must one be to come up with a topic like this? seriously, get a life. Sorry!

I watched a couple of the so-called "good" episodes and they were exceedingly mediocre and boring.  I really don't get the appeal of this series
Hurray for the people who liked it I guess.  
 
I will say that the music was a tiny bit better than how I remembered it.  I still wouldn't say I liked it but it's at least relatively competent. 

Yes it’s too kiddy but it’s very inconsistent in terms of characterization (especially Ezra) and most of it is just boring as hell. Or extremely annoying. 
 
TCW really picked up midway through season 3. There’s some good stuff in the 2.5 seasons before that but it’s hit or miss. A lot of it gets better once you’ve seen the whole thing but there was a point in season 3 where it just took off and was largely magnificent from there on out. Few bumps but still amazing overall.