Between the delayed release date, the lukewarm reaction to the first trailer and reports of walk-outs during the film’s panel at Comic-Con, “The Green Hornet” isn’t exactly looking like the rosiest apple in the bowl right now. But with the film’s January release date getting ever closer, we’ve just had a piece of news that at least marks a step up in terms of the film’s music.
Way back in January, it was announced that Danny Elfman would be composing the score for Michel Gondry’s superhero epic, news that we were disappointed in; like BFF Tim Burton, Elfman has been going around in circles for the past decade, and hasn’t produced anything memorable for a long time. However, it appears that Elfman may be out; according to our sources composer James Newton Howard is in talks to replace him on the project.
“Scheduling conflicts” appear to be the reason for the split and certainly Elfman’s slate is busy enough with Gus Van Sant’s “Restless” and, as of a few weeks ago, Paul Haggis’ “The Next Three Days,” all due within months of each other.
Newton Howard is definitely a strong choice and while the films he works on aren’t always the strongest (e.g.”Confessions of a Shopaholic”…), he’s done some very good work recently on the likes of “The Lookout,” “Duplicity” and the Oscar-nominated duo of “Michael Clayton” and “Defiance,” and got his superhero credentials in a big way collaborating with Hans Zimmer on the scores for “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.” And oh yeah, Howard is also scoring that other green superhero movie, “Green Lantern” as well. So will Howard’s involvement mark the turning point for “The Green Hornet”? Well, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.