: Original director John McTiernan ( Die Hard ) was replaced during reshoots by Michael Crichton, the author of the source novel. This led to heavy editing and the removal of significant character development to favor a faster-paced action structure.
: After the original score was scrapped, the legendary Jerry Goldsmith provided a powerful, booming soundtrack that has since become iconic in its own right. : Original director John McTiernan ( Die Hard
The film is widely considered one of the ever put to screen. Unlike many fantasy films of its era, it avoids over-the-top magic in favor of a gritty, "real-world" interpretation of the Beowulf legend. "real-world" interpretation of the Beowulf legend.