The upcoming DC Universe film, , release of ‘Supergirl’ is undergoing a significant sonic shift. Original composer Ramin Djawadi, known for his work on ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Westworld’, has been replaced by Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL. The change, first noted on the film’s IMDb page, signals a potential departure in the film’s overall tone and musical direction.
Djawadi’s compositions are often characterized by epic, somber melodies that emphasize dramatic weight. His portfolio includes scores for ‘Iron Man’ (2008), ‘Pacific Rim’, and ‘The Eternals’, as well as the 2026 AI-thriller ‘Mercy’. This established style suggested a potentially weighty and emotionally resonant score for ‘Supergirl’. Holkenborg, however, brings a different sensibility to the project.
Holkenborg is a frequent collaborator with director Zack Snyder, having contributed to ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ alongside Hans Zimmer and composing the original score for ‘Justice League’. Snyder reinstated Holkenborg for his ‘Snyder Cut’ of the film after Joss Whedon had previously replaced him with Danny Elfman. Beyond his work with Snyder, Holkenborg has scored ‘Rebel Moon’, ‘Army of the Dead’, and George Miller’s ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, and ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’, as well as all three ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ films. He also gained recognition for the electronic remix of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation” in 2010.
The shift from Djawadi to Holkenborg suggests a move towards a more bombastic and energetic score. While Djawadi’s work often prioritizes subtlety and emotional depth, Holkenborg’s scores are frequently associated with a grander, more action-oriented sound. This aligns with the characterization of Supergirl as portrayed in early materials for the film – a hardened, interstellar traveler, as described in announcements from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures.
The change in composers isn’t necessarily a negative reflection on either artist. It’s more likely a strategic decision by director Craig Gillespie and DC Studios to align the film’s music with a specific vision. Holkenborg’s experience with large-scale action sequences and his ability to create impactful sonic landscapes make him a suitable choice for a superhero film aiming for a particular aesthetic.
‘Supergirl’ stars Milly Alcock in the titular role, alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa. The film is a key component of DC Studios’ ‘Chapter One: Gods and Monsters’ slate, indicating its importance within the broader DC Universe reboot. The film’s narrative focuses on Supergirl’s journey, suggesting a potentially complex and action-packed storyline.
The decision to replace a composer so close to the film’s release date is unusual, but not unprecedented in large-scale productions. It’s possible that initial musical ideas from Djawadi didn’t fully capture the desired tone for the film, prompting the studio to seek a composer with a different skillset. Some speculate, as noted in online discussions, that Holkenborg may be brought in to refine or rework existing compositions by Djawadi, rather than starting from scratch. However, official statements confirm Holkenborg is taking over the full scoring duties.
The impact of this change will ultimately be felt when audiences experience the finished film. However, the contrasting styles of Djawadi and Holkenborg suggest that ‘Supergirl’ will feature a score that is both powerful and dynamic, potentially setting it apart from other superhero films. The choice of Holkenborg signals a willingness to embrace a bolder, more visceral sonic approach, which could resonate with audiences seeking a more intense cinematic experience.
The film’s production is being closely watched as a pivotal moment for DC Studios under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. ‘Supergirl’ represents one of the first major releases under their vision for the DC Universe, and the creative choices made – including the selection of a composer – will be scrutinized for clues about the direction of the franchise.
