After first hearing that Joss Whedon will serve as a closer of sorts, replacing Zack Snyder for reshoots and the remainder of post-production, those looking forward to Justice League must brace themselves because another major change in personnel has gone down. Don’t worry, though, because, like the one we just mentioned, it’ll likely instill you with confidence.
As it turns out, Junkie XL (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) is out as composer and Danny Elfman is in. Yes, this has come out of nowhere, but when you consider that Elfman was responsible for the music heard in Batman and Batman Returns – both of which remain two of the best superhero soundtracks to this day, at least in my opinion – the news should bring a smile to your face, right? But, if you need a little more assurance, know that his resume also includes heavy hitters in the genre such as Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Hulk and Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
There’s another noteworthy one as well that may have had something to do with him landing this gig. We are, of course, talking about Avengers: Age of Ultron, which also happened to be directed by Whedon. When you really think about it, a significant lineup change such as this has to make you question just how much of an influence Whedon is having on the production.
In fact, a statement made by an outgoing Junkie XL will no doubt fuel that theory:
“As my mentor Hans Zimmer told me — you haven’t made it in Hollywood as a composer until you get replaced on a project. So I guess [I] finally graduated this week. It pains me to leave the project, but a big thanks to Zack for asking me to part of his vision, and I wish Danny, Joss and Warner Bros all the best with Justice League.”
Knowing that Junkie XL is a great talent in his own right, we’re confident that he’ll land on his feet. In fact, The Hollywood Reporter has gotten wind that he’s moving on to the Tomb Raider reboot, so if that’s true, we wish him all the best.
Justice League arrives in theatres on November 17.