Check out Danny Elfman's sweet message after confirming he's involved in Universal Orlando's epic universe

Last week, Universal Orlando revealed more details about Dark Universe, the new land dedicated to Universal Monsters that will be part of the all-new Epic Universe theme park. Alongside the announcement, videos featuring original music were added, which were hard not to describe as “Danny Elfman-style.” Well, it turns out there was a good reason for that. Elfman actually wrote the songs, and he confirmed the exciting news with a sweet message.

In a post shared to his Instagram Story, Danny Elfman confirmed that he will write much, if not all, of the original music that will be part of Dark Universe. The veteran composer specifically posted a note, saying he was “honored” to have been chosen to write the music because of what classic Universal Monsters means to him. Elfman said…

Universal Monsters have always had a big place in my life. I am grateful and honored to have been chosen to compose the music for the new Dark Universe at (Universal Orlando). I can not wait to go there.

It’s hard to underestimate the importance of music in a theme park. It sets the mood for the place you are in, helping you immerse yourself in that particular world. It’s not hard to imagine why Danny Elfman would have gotten the call to take care of music in a country like this. His frequent collaborations with Tim Burton have seen him write music for some pretty scary films. So there is no doubt that Elfman can fulfill this mission.

We do not know exactly which tunes the Sleepy hollow the composer has written or will write, or where it will be heard. There will certainly be ambient music that visitors will hear as they walk around the land, but there will also be music for attractions as well as ambient music in restaurants. Based on the Oscar nominee’s statement, it certainly seems like he’ll take care of all that.

Watch the Dark Universe flyby below, where you’ll hear what is almost certainly the first track on the Edward Scissorhands music from an elder for the themed location. Sounds pretty darn perfect, if you ask me:

Monstrous details revealed! Explore a twisting landscape where supernatural creatures roam. Dark Universe opens 2025 at Universal Epic Universe. #EpicUniverse Visit the link to know more: https://t.co/tKZOherbb5 pic.twitter.com/jgpLqoQ0JvJune 20, 2024

While theme park music may not be considered the highest form of artistic expression, some really great composers have created some truly great music specifically for theme parks over the years. John Williams won a Grammy for writing Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, the first award ever for music written for a theme park. We might want to watch this awards ceremony after the Epic Universe opens to see if Danny Elfman can match that feat.

Most other Epic Universe countries will likely use music we already know, as most are dedicated to a specific IP. For example, How to train your dragon has a themed land on the island of Berk. Super Nintendo World will use classic Nintendo music as other versions of the country already open have done. The one place we’re still waiting for details on, Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, will likely use music from the Potter film franchise. The only other place that can have original music is the entrance grounds, the Heavenly Gardens. We’ll have to wait and see if this land has an equally important name behind it.

Honestly, this news from Danny Elfman makes Dark Universe even more exciting. Not only will it have a land dedicated to Universal Monsters that looks like the best part of an amazing park, but it will also have amazing music that you will have to visit the park to hear.