Hans Zimmer was asked about many topics including Star Wars and the MCU, and explains why he’s not interested at this time.

Hans Zimmer in a new wide ranging interview with Josh Horowitz was asked about Star Wars, the MCU, Dune, and other franchises, and says at this time he’s not really interested in either of those Disney IPs. With Star Wars, there is one exception — he gets to reinvent it.

“John Williams is so masterful, and he’s done that … it’s more orchestral … and that’s not why you hire me. “Ludwig [Göransson] is doing some really interesting things … but how many interesting things do you want to put on this thing before it falls apart and isn’t Star Wars anymore? … The only reason I’d do it is if I could reinvent it.”

Hans Zimmer was also asked about scoring an MCU film, and says he’s been in talks to do it several times but ultimately turned them down.

“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, and Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman! I mean, what do you want me to do, some of the minor characters? That was very arrogant of me to say that, but actually, Kevin Feige said that to me: ‘Hans, what are you complaining about?’” 

Interviewer Josh Horowitz mentioned Zimmer not working with Christopher Nolan in recent years, and he explained that they’re still great friends, and he passed up some opportunities with him because of the Dune franchise.

“Occasionally you just need to refresh the human palette. Chris and I have done [so] much, we go back too far, the friendship is strong. It has to [be]. But so is my friendship with Denis.”

Gladiator 2 he passed on because he felt like it would fall short of his original score.

“[My friend] Harry Gregson-Williams, [who composed it], phoned me up and asked, ‘How would you feel about me doing Gladiator 2?’ … to be really honest, I felt like I was just setting myself up for bad criticism … even If I had written the best score in the world for [it], there would’ve been enough people who would’ve said ‘it’s not as good as the old one’ … but how can anyone judge music? It doesn’t work like this … but it works like how people remember things.”

The Oscars and Dune 2 were brought up, with Zimmer saying it’s ‘stupid’ he was disqualified.

“It’s not a sore point … it’s a stupid point … I got disqualified for using material from the first movie in the second movie, but its not a sequel. It’s one arc. What am I supposed to do, take all the character themes from the first one and make new ones? … But I i didn’t want to go and bitch about it.”

Hans Zimmer’s next major project is F1, the upcoming Formula 1 racing film starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), the film is being produced in collaboration with Formula 1 itself, using real race cars and shooting at actual Grand Prix events. The budget has been a topic of debate, with some reports suggesting it could be one of the most expensive sports films ever made, though its actual costs remain unclear. Zimmer also mentioned that he’s not particularly a racing fan, yet this is the third film he will be scoring involving the sport after Days of Thunder and Rush

Zimmer has also already begun working on Dune Messiah, the next film after Dune 2. The legendary composer recently commented on the highly anticipated sequel, stating he talks to Denis Villeneuve about it ‘every day’ and “I know where we’re going, and I know we’re not done.” Filming on that is expected to likely begin later this year, either late summer or early Fall.

If it’s following the book accurately, which is likely with Denis Villeneuve, Dune Messiah returning cast is expected to include Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Florence Pugh, Anya-Taylor Joy, Josh Brolin, and and Jason Momoa. Yes, you read that last one right.

In the books, Duncan Idaho is resurrected as a ghola, a concept similar to cloning but with key differences. Unlike a traditional clone, a ghola is grown from cells taken after the original person’s death and, through a combination of conditioning and genetic memory, can eventually recover the memories of their past life. Early gholas were distinguished by their artificial metallic eyes, though later advancements allowed them to appear fully natural. While a clone is simply a biological copy of a person, a ghola retains a direct link to their original identity—something that plays a major role in Dune Messiah.

For more updates on Dune Messiah and others make sure to check out our film section.