Celebs in the News: 'Hunger Games' Composer Leaves Film

Danny Elfman reportedly has scheduling issues as he's currently also working on 'Dark Shadows' and 'Men in Black 3.'
By Kevin P. Sullivan

Danny Elfman
Photo: Barry King/ FilmMagic

Danny Elfman, the man behind the iconic scores for most of Tim Burton's films, may not be heading to Panem.

The Academy Award-nominated composer has reportedly dropped out of "The Hunger Games," according to Variety. Elfman is said to have left the production for scheduling reasons, as he is currently working on the music for "Dark Shadows," and "Men in Black 3."

Lionsgate declined to comment, but a source close to the production confirmed Elfman's departure due to scheduling conflict with MTV News.

James Newton Howard, the composer responsible for dozens of famous scores, including "Batman Begins," has reportedly taken the reins from Elfman in what was described as a smooth transition. The change will have no effect on the post-production and release schedules for the film. Newton Howard has scored an impressive eight Academy Award nominations over the years for films that include "Defiance, "Michael Clayton" and "The Village."

Elfman was set to collaborate on the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' young-adult novel with T-Bone Burnett, the songwriter who won an Oscar for his work on 2009's "Crazy Heart." Burnett will reportedly remain on the production as the film's executive music producer. Burnett had previously raved to MTV News about working with Elfman on the project, telling us in August of his collaborator, "He's got an incredible space he's put together. It's the most incredible studio I've ever seen and he's got drums and marimbas and a cimbalom — just crazy instruments everywhere. We're just going to go over there and rock out. I think we're just going to play together. We're going to do it together."

Howard, meanwhile, has more than a full plate of upcoming projects. Among his future musical endeavors are two of next year's biggest films: "Snow White and the Huntsman" and "The Bourne Legacy."

"The Hunger Games" is set for release on March 23, 2012, and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, with Gary Ross directing.

Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games."

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