In a recent interview, Danny Elfman explained his approach to the new Justice League soundtrack. But some fans might find his comments on the Batman theme in the film a bit controversial.
The interviewer asked Elfman if there is a new Batman theme in the film. Elfman responded:
No, you will not hear a new theme for Batman You’ll hear Batman’s theme for Batman.
Asked if he was referring to Zimmer’s score from The Dark Knight Trilogy, Elfman made it very clear he was referring to Batman’s theme from the 1989 Tim Burton film, which he also did the score for.
Considering there have been multiple Batman films since the 1989 film, some may view this as a stab at the composers of each film and particularly at Zimmer. But Elfman also makes it clear he uses John Williams’ Superman Theme for Superman and, yes, Zimmer’s Wonder Woman Theme for Wonder Woman.
So, is it that he just meant the most iconic theme per hero, or is it just a semantics thing since no other Batman soundtrack had a track titled, “The Batman Theme” since the 1989 film? The Batman and Robin soundtrack had a “Batman Overture”, but not a theme. Batman Forever had a “Main Title”, but no theme either. Neither did Batman Begins or The Dark Knight Rises. In fact, the closest things to it are the tracks “I Am Batman” or “The Dark Knight “ from the film The Dark Knight. But they aren’t Batman’s official theme.
So, perhaps Elfman is just being honest and not as controversial or arrogant as it sounds. To be honest his theme is the most iconic musical representation of Batman anyway. Isn’t that seemingly the point of it when he also uses Superman and Wonder Woman’s iconic themes? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
You can see the interview here. Here comments about Batman begin at 2:28
Justice League hits theaters November 17, 2017
Directed by Zack Snyder
Screenplay by Chris Terrio
Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Amy Adams, Amber Heard, Jeremy Irons
