Danny Elfman off Wolfman soundtrack

Yesterday it was all sunshine and smiles in the world of The Wolfman, as we reported on the release of some shiny new posters featuring female lead Emily Blunt and a fully-furred-up Benicio del Toro in the title role. It’s all change today however for the somewhat beleaguered Universal production, with the news that soundtrack composer Danny Elfman has left the project.

Elfman had apparently turned in a finished Wolfman score, reports Cinemusic, but that this has now been shelved, and Death Race and Crank composer Paul Haslsinger has stepped into the musical breach. Best known for his work on Tim Burton's films, it was Elfman's association with the Batman and Edward Scissorhands director that apparently expedited his departure from The Wolfman, as he was fully committed to delivering the soundtrack for the former's upcoming Alice in Wonderland. In contrast to Elfman's characteristic orchestrations, Halsinger is best known for his electronic scores – the Austrian having provided soundtracks for the likes of Crank and Shoot ‘Em Up (as well as the US version of Ridley Scott's Legend, back when he was a member of Tangerine Dream).

The loss of Elfman is by no means the first problem to bedevil The Wolfman. Original director Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) dropped out, to be replaced by The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III helmer Joe Johnston. Numerous delays have seen the original scheduled release date of 12 November 2008 repeatedly redrawn. UK audiences are now finally due to catch sight of the hairy critter on 12 February 2010 – albeit possibly minus any accompanying music.