Dune 3 Update: Hans Zimmer Teases ‘Very Complicated’ Score!

Dune: Part Three has received an exciting new update from its composer Hans Zimmer, who discussed the ongoing development of the “complex” project. Following the success of his original Dune film in 2021 and the well-received sequel the following year, director Denis Villeneuve will take on the challenge of adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah, the second book in the iconic sci-fi series. The release of Dune: Part Three is anticipated for December 2026, with production expected to start this summer. Zimmer, the composer for the first two films, is set to return.

At a recent Q&A event covered by ScreenRant during Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, Zimmer shared insights into his current status with Dune: Part Three. He mentioned that he has not begun composing yet, hinting at the complexities involved by stating, “it’s a very complicated one.” It remains unclear whether he refers to the film overall or just his score. Here is what Zimmer said:

“Dune 2 was penned before Denis began filming because it took a long time to get the green light. Have I started on [Messiah]? Not yet. No. Oh, god, it’s a very complicated one, but I love working with Denis so I’m actually going to focus solely on that, nothing else, and really dedicate the time needed.”

The Implications of Zimmer’s Remarks for Dune 3

The Challenges of Adapting Messiah

Zimmer’s description of the project as “complicated” intriguingly matches the narrative of Dune: Messiah. While Villeneuve’s first two films cover Herbert’s initial novel, the sequel diverges noticeably. Messiah continues the story 12 years after Dune: Part Two and the commencement of Paul’s crusade, challenging the perception of Paul Atreides as a noble hero. The novel challenges many conventions of typical epic sci-fi tales, emphasizing the perils of messianic figures.

Without revealing too much, Messiah presents a more nuanced story with significantly less action than what is depicted in Villeneuve’s earlier films. Turning Messiah into a blockbuster that satisfies fans of the previous movies will be a formidable task, possibly requiring substantial changes from the original narrative. Zimmer’s use of the word “complicated,” whether referring to his score or the film, underscores the challenging nature of this project for both him and Villeneuve as they strive to create a mainstream hit that remains faithful to Herbert’s work.

Our Perspective on Zimmer’s Update for Dune 3

Grounds for Optimism in the Messiah Adaptation

Despite the daunting challenges of adapting Messiah for the cinema, the success of the first two films indicates that the project is in capable hands. Villeneuve’s passion for Herbert’s work suggests he is well-suited to distill the essence of Herbert’s second Dune novel into a film that can captivate both die-hard fans and general audiences.

Alongside Villeneuve’s impressive visual storytelling, Zimmer’s musical compositions significantly enhance the atmosphere of Arrakis and the broader universe of Dune. It is promising that they will collaborate again for the third installment. It will be interesting to see the creative decisions they make, particularly if they choose to depart from the style and tone of the first two films. With production expected to begin later this year, further updates on Dune: Part Three should be forthcoming.