Hans Zimmer addressed the Academy’s decision to disqualify his Dune: Part Two score from Oscars consideration, calling it “stupid.” During a conversation with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, the renowned composer said he didn’t view the ruling as a “sore point” but considered it a foolish decision.
You know something? It’s not really a sore point, It’s just such a stupid point — how can it be a sore point?
he began
I got disqualified because I was using material from the first movie in the second movie, but it’s not a sequel. It is the completion, both movies are one arc. So was I supposed to go and take all the character themes away and write new character themes and develop them? It’s just a stupid rule. What I didn’t want to do is go and bitch about it.
The two-time Oscar winner continued,
Late last year, an independent Academy review determined that Zimmer’s use of thematic elements from Dune (2021) violated the eligibility rules. According to these guidelines, a film’s score must make up at least 35% of the total music in the movie. For sequels and franchises, no more than 20% of the score can include pre-existing themes and music from previous installments.
Read More: One Oscars Voter Was Audibly Angry About ‘DUNE 2’ Not Being Nominated in More Categories
Zimmer’s remarks follow Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve’s criticism of the decision earlier this year, ahead of the 97th Oscars. Villeneuve argued that the two films maintain “continuity” and are essentially “one big movie cut in half.”
I am absolutely against the decision of the Academy to exclude Hans, frankly, because I feel like his score is one of the best scores of the year, I don’t use the word genius often, but Hans is one.
he said at the time
Discussing Dune: Messiah, the upcoming third installment in the Dune universe directed by Denis Villeneuve, Zimmer revealed, “I talk to Denis every day. Yes, it’s happening sooner rather than later.” When asked if he had already started working on the score, he responded coyly, “Mmm, maybe.”
Elsewhere in the podcast, Zimmer addressed whether he had been approached to compose for Marvel films, saying,
They have, and it was always — timing wasn’t great. And really, quite honestly, I’m looking for other things right now. Look, I’ve done the trifecta; I’ve done Batman, Superman, Spider-Man — and Wonder Woman. I mean, what do you want me to do? Do some of the minor characters? Probably yes.