MOVIE NEWS – The 2025 Oscars are already stirring up controversy, even before the official ceremony. A battle is brewing between The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Dune: Part Two over Hans Zimmer’s incredible score for the 2024 sequel. The Academy has deemed the score ineligible for submission in the Best Original Score category, a decision Zimmer disagrees with, though he remains more focused on the quality of the music and the film than its award potential. However, just as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) announced himself as Lisan al Gaib, Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve has stepped in, defending Zimmer’s work and questioning The Academy’s ruling.
In a recent interview with SlashFilm, Denis Villeneuve strongly criticized The Academy’s decision to exclude Zimmer’s score. “I am absolutely against the decision to exclude Hans because his score is one of the best of the year,” said the director. Few would argue with him, except perhaps the judges at the Golden Globes. The 2025 Golden Globes awarded Challengers with Best Score, beating Zimmer’s Dune: Part Two score, which was also in contention. Villeneuve didn’t comment on the Globes loss but acknowledged how powerful Zimmer’s score was, saying:
“I don’t use the word genius often, but Hans is one.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ruled Zimmer’s score ineligible because it was deemed too similar to the score from the 2021 Dune. Villeneuve explained that the sequel’s score had to feature continuity with the original because he views the two films as “one big movie cut in half.” He further added that “the score for Part Two is rooted in Part One, of course, because there is continuity.” The director also made it clear that he’s not taking the decision too seriously, stating, “I’m not here to complain. The soundtrack is really a continuity of Part One.”
Dune: Messiah Starts Filming Soon
As the 2025 awards season kicks off, sci-fi fans are hoping that Dune: Part Two can match the original’s six Oscar wins. However, once the Oscars are over, fans will turn their attention back to the upcoming third installment. Dune: Part Three will adapt Frank Herbert’s second book, Dune: Messiah. Villeneuve and the team have kept details about the film under wraps, but the director has offered some insights into when filming will begin.
In October 2025, Villeneuve told Deadline that Dune: Part Three should begin shooting in late 2025 or early 2026. He also confirmed that Part Three will “finish the Paul Atreides arc” and wrap up his time in the world of Dune. The franchise has already tried to continue without Villeneuve. HBO’s Dune: Prophecy began airing in late 2024 to mixed reviews. Despite the lukewarm reception, HBO has announced a second season ahead of the show’s dramatic finale. Dune: Part Three is currently scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.
Source: MovieWeb
