Big news just broke concerning The Hunger Games‘ composer. Previously-confirmed Danny Elfman has been replaced!

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Variety reports:

Danny Elfman, who had been set to score THE HUNGER GAMES, is leaving due to scheduling conflicts and is being replaced by James Newton Howard. Lionsgate had announced in July that the score would be a collabortation between Elfman (THE NIGHTMARE BEVORE CRISTMAS, at left) and T Bone Burnett, who’s staying onboard. GAMES would seem to still be in good hands; credits to Howard (at right) include work on THE DARK KNIGHT, DEFIANCE, BLOOD DIAMOND and MICHAEL CLAYTON.

Surprising news – is this good or bad? You can see Newton’s credits right here. He’s got a serious line-up of credentials: The Dark Knight, Snow White and the Huntsman, Batman Begins, and many many more.

We had learned Elfman would score the film in June.