Danny Elfman Out, James Newton Howard In For ‘The Hunger Games’
Hunger Gamesfans expecting a sweeping, quirky score to their film from a living legend are going to have to settle for a melodic, theme-driven musical accompaniment from one of the best in the business. Tomato to-mot-o. Amazing composerDanny Elfmanwas originally scheduled to scoreGary Ross' adaptationThe Hunger Gamesbut, due to scheduling conflicts, he’s been forced to take his four Oscar-nominations and move on. He’ll be replaced by the eight Oscar-nominations ofJames Newton Howard, which could actually be a good thing. Read more after the jump.Varietyreported the composer change and said that “a source close to the situation indicated that the transition will be seamless and the post production schedule won’t be impacted.” So still expect to see the film in theaters on March 23. AlsoT Bone Burnettwill still be working on the film.
Elfman’s plate is currently very full, with two films that he sort of has to do being released in Summer 2012: Barry Sonnenfeld’sMen in Black 3and Tim Burton’sDark Shadows. Elfman has done the previous twoMen in Blackmovies and is a frequent collaborator with Burton, so he simply couldn’t fit another blockbuster into his schedule.
Enter Newton Howard, best known for his work onThe Dark Knight, The Fugitiveand one of my favorite, underrated scores of all-time,Unbreakable. He’s currently working onSnow White and the Huntsmanas well asThe Bourne Legacy, also both scheduled for the summer, but apparently he can fitThe Hunger Gamesinto his schedule sinceBournehas just started shooting. It’s also interesting to note that despite his partnership with Hans Zimmer onThe Dark Knight, there will be no such pairing onThe Dark Knight Rises.
I’m a huge fan of Elfman but I think Newton Howard fitsThe Hunger Gamesbetter. Elfman can do it all but his forte is different, dark, genre. Newton Howard does that, but he’s more comfortable with a big, boisterous canvas like this film. I think this is a positive. Do you agree?
