How Hans Zimmer Created the Score for 'Dune: Part Two' | Vanity Fair

"Home Depot is our secret instrument-building site." Hans Zimmer, the Oscar-winning composer of 'Dune,' is back again to provide an in-depth analysis of how the score was created for the 2024 sequel film. From working closely with the DPs to understand the film's visual designs to constructing extensions for flutes from Home Depot PVC pipes, Hans provides an insider's look at how it all came to life.
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[@azathoth528]

What Hans has done with Dune is what John Williams did with Star Wars and what Howard Shore did with The Lord Of The Rings, he gave a huge anthem for an entire world

[@Fondrom]

Except Hans Zimmer has now done this multiple times.. The Dark Knight Trilogy Interstellar Lion King Gladiator Inception Dunkirk Dune

[@jacobm6617]

@@FondromPoint taken, but John Williams definitely did it multiple times too lmao. Star wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Jaws, ET, etc etc etc

[@andreasgajewski9524]

As much as i like Hans i remember absolutely nothing form the movies score besides one drum roll and the female singer screaming. It could be basically done by any other composer. John Williams did waaaay more with Star Wars. Even people who don´t watch Star Wars know the Main Theme, Vaders Theme, the Cantina Music etc...

[@azathoth528]

@@andreasgajewski9524 that comparison is absurd, of course Star Wars score is more recognizable since it's been part of pop culture for nearly 50 years and John Williams had a whole saga, Dune part 2 has just come out

[@andreasgajewski9524]

@@azathoth528well...you mentioned it with your post^^

[@SeafoodFriedRice]

Amazing that in the first 5 min of the video he's giving credit to the talented musicians on his team, rather than talking about himself.

[@ajlance9536]

he’s been known to not do this in the past though

[@counterfeitt]

@@ajlance9536he did it in the last dune vid as well..

[@caleighhraee]

@@ajlance9536so? He’s doing it now

[@memepapi]

A true leader

[@Walexo45]

He doesn't compose music anymore. He just puts his name on it.

[@riofairchild1538]

“A Time of Quiet…” is so moving especially when it’s played as Chani is leaving

[@zooropa5722]

It's gonna be even more moving towards the end of Dune Messiah

[@tehcodeman]

I believe that is "Kiss the Ring".

[@dongyschlontong-ck5xg]

Such an Anime ending.

[@didleydooby]

lead them to paradise 😔

[@Organization_13]

Yes !!!!!!

[@sienna9676]

the last question and his answer.... i cheered loudly in my room!!!

[@azathoth528]

I laughed like an idiot cause I know they're going to deliver once it's confirmed

[@victorykeys]

Yessss!!!!

[@Riseax]

made me so happy.. him and denis villeneuve are truly the only ones capable of making dune ❤

[@GeneralKenobi69420]

"cheered loudly in my room" most emotionally mature American be like

[@xavieriswavier]

Can’t wait 😢

[@sp9459]

This might get him his third Oscar! Especially „A time of quite between the storms“ is beautiful ❤

[@annamolly6833]

I also really like "Kiss the Ring".

[@Bee0213]

It must bring it, the score of this movie is sensational

[@frenchbeast5956]

Harkonnen Arena is incredible too

[@matthewrongo6198]

Spoiler: It’s going to win the Oscar lol

[@pedroesteves3018]

water of life is crazyyyy

[@rare_red]

13:29 no one gona talk about hans Zimmer hunting talents to give them a opportunity to be a part of his team for me it is somehow wholesome.

[@TheShapingSickness]

😢 It's amazing

[@maniacguitar]

Very wholesome

[@adriannespring8598]

Utterly priceless!! 😂

[@RhettMillerMovies]

Any clue what the song was that lead him to finding Steve?

[@aiRxShop]

Yeah, the story of Steve Mazzaro made me so happy. That's a dream come true. Amazing

[@brianfoss571]

Bless the Depot and its piping Bless the humming and blowing of them May their pitches cleanse the world And keep the world for their whistles

[@MaxHimbigger]

lmao

[@gothakane]

It's been a long time since a KZbin comment made me laugh so hard 😂

[@AnjanaSudamHewamanne]

amen.

[@MasterCrander]

May your pressure treated board chip and shatter

[@lorumerthgaming]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[@kurtdewittphoto]

I want to hear Hans Zimmer and Denis Villenueve having a heated conversation about the quality of wines.

[@Eminovici]

Caladan wines.

[@Xanaduum]

Only if there's a wistful duduk playing in the distance. 🧐

[@analusilvaj]

I think his discomfort with certain colors not matching his music might indicate he has synesthesia. Which would make a lot of sense considering the way he describes his music and his process. Absolute genius.

[@kneelbeforezak]

He got that true detective in him

[@kelownatechkid]

He does, he's even listed on the wikipedia page for it lol. He's mentioned hearing colours several times

[@analusilvaj]

@@kelownatechkid I never knew this. Thanks.

[@sherylAA]

Thats what i was going to say. @@kelownatechkid Billie Eilish has synesthesia in music also. I mention that cause they worked together on Bond.

[@jarhead3736]

He might have it but I don’t think this indicates cause lots of musicians match there sounds with the colors or feel of what there trying to create

[@pwnisher]

Uh, that love theme hits so deep. I think it takes the cake for the most beautiful theme I've ever heard. Tears, every time.

[@DailyShit.]

Great seeing you here.

[@liamn.7664]

fr bro it’s perfect ☺️

[@yogaza2]

Rivals the Han Solo and Leia theme.

[@sosheseeks]

I was wondering why I was crying, it's so interesting what music evokes.

[@brayhanaran15]

Dune Messiah on Hans Zimmer's desk?!? WE GOT A TRILOGY ladies and gentlemen!!!

[@cbrreezzyy69]

Yes, but it’s a couple years away. Denis has said he wants to do another movie first and wants chalamet to age up a little, which makes sense.

[@ramstab]

@@cbrreezzyy69lmao this is funny, timothy needs to age a little haha

[@rgarcia1133]

​@ramstab kind of makes sense, Messiah is about 12 years after Dune 2

[@meowrbius]

As written

[@ronch19]

The two film, technically 1 story (novel)

[@ThalesPanke]

The response to the last question gave me chills!

[@oodal_]

Yeah I’m glad Denis has begun writing Dune Messiah which will be the perfect conclusion to the trilogy

[@romilrh]

He basically said "our road leads into the desert"

[@xavierleung-dias7995]

Only Hans could make a guy walking through a crowd go so hard. “Arrival” was a masterpiece

[@originaozz]

I love Arrival score! Although, it's by a composer called Jahanns Johannsson not Hans Zimmer.

[@teenybooch.]

@@originaozz The track "Arrival" not the movie

[@DailyShit.]

Some people really talk or write before listening. Rather school you on a fact then actually hear your point.

[@xavierleung-dias7995]

@@teenybooch. correct

[@Doughboy14145]

I was really hoping he would mention that track in this interview. Such a heavy song

[@longassusername]

The music was a HUGE part of this movie!

[@paxapunch2708]

Definitely

[@Netsuko]

It's definitely because denis villeneuve doesn't treat them separate. He involves the creation of the scene with the creation of the music. It really shows.

[@skurtyyskirts]

I want a Hans Zimmer documentary SO bad

[@bilalkahhaleh3403]

Check out "Hollywood Rebel"

[@ritaling1124]

there is one in german and french, maybe it is available in english as well, I don't know. It is called Hans Zimmer - the sound of hollywood.

[@TheSweatyYeti]

What a privilege it is to exist during the same time as Hans Zimmer. Every film that he scores is a treat.

[@Frizzleman]

Well said.

[@nithinsuku]

I am so glad I got to witness the film in IMAX. Everyone should watch it in the best screen possible. It is a filmmaking spectacle!

[@TheDerpp]

seen it twice in IMAX! and counting!

[@paxapunch2708]

Should I see it in IMAX or Dolby theatre?

[@thebellbrothers3279]

I saw it 5 times. It’s not only about the screen, the sound is one of the best there too.

[@nithinsuku]

Yes, Sound is a more important factor for Dune. The audio mixing is crazy!@@thebellbrothers3279

[@Tacotasty1]

I sacrificed the biggest screen for the better sound in Dolby and honestly, I think it was worth it. The sound and music in this movie is (in my opinion) what truly solidifies it.

[@spicyrice796]

9:36 Hans' reaction is everyone's reaction to this song. It honestly takes you to another planet

[@tunicoco]

The way he describes "A time of quiet..." is exaclty how I felt watching the scene. He is an amazing musician.

[@natedagreat19]

I NEED to know how he made ‘Arrival’!!! Paul walking in front of a breaching Sandworm has been stuck in my head for DAYS. I’ve never heard a sound like that.

[@themissinglink7126]

Probably a cello or bass bowed slow and aggressive.

[@mrspecs9211]

probably a bass, I reckon it had some kind of modified bow and synth effects to give it that crunchy raspy sound

[@johnny_eth]

There are a couple interviews and features with the sound designers of the movie explaning how they did the sounds of the desert and the sand worm. Find it on youtube. It's awesome.

[@astrosfan06]

Absolutely guttural and epic..

[@Moodboard39]

U must not know how sound works lol 😂 dude, is editing sounds ....ignorance is astounding

[@MrMentalrevolution]

So proud that our ancient Armenien instrument, Duduk, is part of this magic.

[@batesdude728]

A time of quiet between the storms is one of the most beautiful pieces of score I've heard in decades

[@user-tf2gh9yy8q]

The Paul/Chani theme is one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard in film

[@kvetcha]

That Steve Mazzaro anecdote is so terrific.

[@adriannespring8598]

Truth!!! 😂

[@gentbajko6370]

Honestly soul crushing

[@flyingdog412]

Can we for a moment also state that Hans is a amazing talent scout?

[@yogaza2]

And his friends!

[@Frizzleman]

Just an all around amazing guy it seems. No wonder this movie sounds so spectacular.

[@cfoscoop]

A Time of Quiet Between the Storms immediately makes me tear up every time. The melody, the performance, the emotion is just beautiful

[@saturdayboy4454]

It’s very much like a Vangelis theme in that way

[@LukeKolarsky]

@@saturdayboy4454 Hmmmm, love this comparison.

[@thedarkknight2221]

By this time next year we will hopefully hear the words *”And the Oscar goes to…..Hans Zimmer for Dune: Part Two!*

[@novorapid6706]

The fact that he finds talent on KZbin is insane and shows publicity doesn’t always show talent, puts hidden talent into perspective doesn’t it

[@SanosEdge]

"Kiss the Ring" is so tragic..."A Time of Quiet" is so beautiful, "Worm Ride" is so epic. Best score I've ever heard in film. He was born to compose this movie. Hans pretty much confirming Messiah is a go at the end. As Written.

[@astrosfan06]

Lisan Al Gaib!!!

[@EbenezerOsasona]

As it was written!!!

[@Th3RandommMan]

This is literally like a free Master Class. As a percussionist, I find this so fascinating. I love Hans’s thinking, it’s like a beautiful science

[@comfortablepod2638]

A Time of Quiet brings me to tears every time I see it in the theater. Incredible music and movie moment.

[@Jellywife]

Seen it twice at the iMax, this theme playing when everyone bows but Chani and Princess Irulan made me cry both times. And the build in the theme when Chani is leaving…just so beautiful

[@Acast009]

It went beautifully with the pain and hurt you see in her eyes as she is waiting for sandworm - made her relatable - she was just a girl that had her heartbroken by a boy.

[@Dr-Zed]

IMAX is not made by apple ya dork

[@ryanirvine2788]

It’s the fact when he scores movies he doesn’t create music that a nice accompaniment to the film he actually creates the soundscape of the movie which draws you in much more than any other composer

[@Moodboard39]

Visual .

[@IcarusNadir]

A Time of Quiet literally had me crying in the theaters. Not even because of the scene, but because of the emotional strings the music pulled on

[@Wunba]

I’ve only ever heard Hans’ songs never really got to see his passion and care for each of the tracks. It’s inspiring!

[@depagogd1426]

I see you everywhere now Get out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my headGet out of my head

[@DerHerrMitR]

A Time Of Quiet Between The Storms made me well up in the theater. I was instantly thinking about the countless moments of bliss I had with my now ex wife.

[@lianalibelli3386]

I am feeling you

[@jeanluciradukunda]

"I know where we're going" 💙

[@mllenessmarie]

That was a brilliant answer to the question :v And it tells you everything you need to know.

[@Jetlifeual]

Hans Zimmer is the Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Boccherini, Salieri, etc. of our time. But because our generation doesn't appreciate music as much as people of the baroque/classical eras he'll go largely unnoticed (in comparison to artists with much more popularity). There's people who don't realize how many of his compositions have actually caused chills in their body while watching a movie.

[@Lucy-yc4bc]

Hans Zimmer is literally one of the most recognized composers on the planet, probably even all time lol

[@FrankWeaver]

Yall his coming to tour the USA , I highly recommend to watch him and his amazing musicians live , it’s another level!

[@GTS-ej9sv]

Thank you for the news

[@austinebner4905]

Yo where is that schedule

[@austinebner4905]

Going to buy tickets to see him in Seattle. I can see that some sites are selling tickets but ticketmaster isn't yet. Any idea why that is??

[@Digitalhunny]

My whole entire family LOVES Hans Zimmer _so very_ much! When my son was 8 y/o, he got his first guitar. Without me noticing he played for a whole straight weekend, alone in his bedroom & secretly learned to play Hans Zimmer's "Time" _all_ by himself. My little guy, finally comes out of his bedroom & asks me, "Mom, would you listen to this for a minute? I learned this for you..." He'd taught himself to play guitar so that he could play _that_ one song, for me. Not gonna lie... yes, I _absolutely did_ cry! Cannot _wait_ to hear this whole new score, completely uninterrupted. 💕

[@cityonahillterrain]

And then everyone stood up and clapped

[@Digitalhunny]

@@cityonahillterrain Huh?

[@reshmarodrigo3446]

That’s beautiful ❤️

[@MoManiaTV]

this is so wholesome 😄

[@lawrencefrost9063]

Great comment. Impressive kid.

[@leoribeirop]

what i think is the coolest about him is that he's probably the greatest composer of all time but he always find a way to credit every single soul who worked on the project to the soundtrack is born, and he thinks he always have new things to learn, in a very humble way… this dude is a genius and all of his works are masterpieces!!!

[@Jorgen03]

“Kiss the Ring” replaces the love in “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms” with sorrow.

[@tablet4170]

"i am still learning", respect!

[@florianhaffner3910]

If you look at his career and all the songs he has composed its hard to not give him the genius status

[@ssotkow]

Bladerunner 2049 and Dune 2 already solidified the director's legendary status in sculpting cinematic visual poetry... while Hans ZImmer cemented his legacy in crafting auditory poetry in cinema decades ago.

[@roku_nine]

Gladiator, inception, interstellar, etc..

[@levifreeman]

I have no idea why I was sitting here nodding like he was talking to me directly, and at the end I clapped a few times after he said “I know where we are going” but I did both these things. This guy is a legend, the score is glorious

[@theblackwhisper]

We don’t have that many super geniuses in the world. This is one of them. Phenomenal talent, super nice guy.

[@photostu]

I could listen to Hans talk about music for eternity. He truly is inspiring.

[@samfilmkid]

It’s like he took Frank Herbert’s prose, ran it through some strange machine and translated it into musical notes. It matches the tone of the book SO well!

[@Moodboard39]

Is intuition introvert feeling . Study Carl Jung... Not everyone can ...

[@RebeccaBrittPhotography]

He is the Mozart of our time. I so want to see him Live. I don't even think I can find the words to describe his brilliance.

[@juleeez628]

Ummmm no? That’s John Williams. This guy can’t write a melody to save his life and has about 20 ghostwriters

[@jacoblehrer4198]

nothing like Mozart... if anything he would be more like the Stravinsky or maybe you could make an argument for Scriabin.

[@RebeccaBrittPhotography]

@@juleeez628 I disagree. Not a huge fan of Williams.

[@RebeccaBrittPhotography]

@@jacoblehrer4198 um ok.

[@carlsteyn5089]

@@juleeez628John Williams is a legend. But that's a pretty crazy statement you just made 😂

[@omgawesomeomg]

Well, if there is one thing Boeing has enough of, it's scrap metal.

[@catastrophicjones]

"So what's the next step in your master plan?" Hans: Crashing this instrument!

[@Emily-cx7wg]

This movie wouldn't be what it is without Hans Zimmer.

[@Audrey910226]

Hans Zimmer also found Ofra Haza for the Prince of Egypt back then. He really has a knack for that.

[@SuPeRNinJaRed]

1:43 I know it’s not but i can’t help imagining the band being called “Hans and the Zimmers”

[@ddebnath11]

Or, "The Zimmermen"

[@pienkowski21]

Hans is a genius. I wish he talked about making "Harkonnen Arena" or "Arrival"

[@AlexKalve]

There is nothing more beautiful than the connection between human beings to create beautiful things together

[@sicmundus2348]

Thanks to Hans and his entire team of very talented musicians for creating this beautiful score.

[@raeaugustus586]

The last part just brought a tear to my eye, we'll be ready...

[@theFutureSoundWaves]

When a genius director works together with a genius composer... I saw Dune part 2 twice in theatre and it's the best film in the last 15 years. Can't wait for Dune part 3.

[@user-le6uo4ec9l]

Dont forget cinematographer Greig Fraser.

[@biohazardousbacon]

"A time of quiet between the storms" the perfect title. it is played at two key moments that are best described in that way.

[@VibeVocalStudio]

@9:43 makes me emotional, and it seems to make Hans emotional too. Music is a beautiful thing 🤍

[@Japerhood]

Dune Part 3 confirmed, what a cool way of Denis to let gim know 😂. Such a freaking cool guy, an absolute genius filled with talent and cool stories.

[@aileencastaneda3724]

Hans Zimmer is simply so talented and he surrounds himself with talented musicians. It’s simply amazing ❤

[@samuelmoser]

Yesterday I visited Hans Zimmer's show in vienna. It was an unbelievable experience. They even played the Dune 2 scene.

[@raphaeldumaine4313]

"Kiss the Ring" personal favorite

[@Elusive_Pete]

'A Time Of Quiet Between The Storms' is something special beyond words. It harkens back to some of the best emotional moments in film. Gladiator, Blade Runner, The Last Samurai. I couldn't believe what I heard. It's transcendent. Dune: Part Two deserves appreciation on every single front. Cinema, please don't go.

[@KnarfStein]

I love how whenever he talks about Denis, the amount of affection for his artistic collatrabor on the closest wavelength as him shines through.

[@carpemkarzi]

The joy in his voice, the willingness to just go for it and the love he has for his musicians shows in his music. Will always love his soundtracks

[@beeman2075]

Mirroring other comments here, 'A Time of Quiet Between the Storms' is one of the most beautiful themes I've heard in years. I can picture myself listening to that piece and feeling comforted and inspired by it while gazing up in wonder at an ocean of stars in the night sky on a clear evening.

[@MentalWellnessWithWaihiga]

The music really made Dune part 2 for me fantastic. The SCORE was fantastic. It made me sooooooooooo emotional. A quiet between the storms is something else.

[@Greaseball01]

I just now realised Hans did the soundtrack for Gladiator

[@warnshot]

Hans Zimmer is by far my favorite musician. His mind, dedication, and creativity are unparalleled. Amazing.

[@stevemelo]

Hans Zimmer is an absolute genius. So many epic soundtracks. The best to ever do it.

[@FluffHyune]

Hans you are extraordinary.

[@knuptfad1]

If “kiss the ring” doesn’t make you feel something nothing can. Chills everytime.

[@tykow]

Hans Zimmer is just on a completely different level.

[@Alitheone6618]

'Kiss the Ring' So beautiful 😭

[@daskanguru3515]

I'm convinced both movies would not have made for the same phenomenal viewing experience they are without this score.

[@whispeace]

He nails every movie soundtrack. Trully an extraordinary human being. Can’t wait to see him play live.

[@dh_animation8715]

Time of Quiet Between the Storms is very similar to Elysium in Gladiator with equal weight of longing. They really compliment each other if played over one another.

[@brandofhero]

To be living in this era, experiencing three great epics- Star Wars, LOTR, and now Dune - has to be probably the greatest gift human kind has fashioned for us. Literally, tears of joy.

[@dixnnw8252]

i will forever remain in awe of the soul-searching humans do to bend technique to express the complexity of emotions. Hans Zimmer is a master of this, and for that i thank him

[@abdullahdesigns00]

A Time of Quiet Between the Storms moves you to another universe without moving you physically; it's an Oscar-winning masterpiece!

[@likemagic5982]

He's the best in the business! The music for Dune was incredible and it couldn't have been better!)

[@MaximusR93]

“Beginnings are such delicate times”, one of the most beautiful pieces of music for any movie I’ve ever seen. Really illuminates the hope of a messiah, but encapsulates the sort of melancholy of blindly following one.

[@Nevermore941012]

The thing is, Denis visuals are so mesmerizing you can watch the movie on mute and you would still have a feast for your eyes and an amazing movie, and Hans soundtrack is so amazing and beautiful you could listen to it on its own and still feel cinematic and spectacular. So what happens when you take an amazing director and a Grandmaster composer and ask them to adapt one of the most legendary book series ever, then my friends, you got yourself a straight MASTERPIECE !

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

you can pause each moment and frame it. he is such a artist

[@Riseax]

14:55 His smile and his passion for Dune and film/music in general is just so heartwarming ❤

[@JosephineSheesley]

I heard “A Quiet Between the Storms” and instantly knew it was Pedro playing the Duduk. It’s hilarious that they modified the instrument so it could play it. The love theme is beyond beautiful.

[@DFMoray]

I just remembered the first time I read dune I was playing the gladiator score. Crazy.

[@Thytos]

So, this is where Boeing‘s missing bolts went

[@mattmcgrew3291]

Lmfao

[@itslightanddark]

😂😂😂😂

[@loriinmedicine]

Why did I immediately start crying at his response to the last question?? I'm so excited

[@Johnny.H.Rickensien]

I truly believe that the dune scores are Zimmer's magnum opus, the ones that will be remembered as truly one of a kind and couldn't have been done by anyone else.

[@RogerBadgerDSFlyer]

So awesome. Great leader too. Gives recognition to his team. Love the way he spots talent and is always playing. He’s got the skills, experience, yet kept the love of the search.

[@AndrewM-ol1lm]

He is an absolute genius. His music is timeless and will live on forever.

[@jasmineliddington]

This is so cool. I love that he’s finding ppl on KZbin…so cool. What a creative & lovely artist.

[@wangcity]

I actually cry at between the sands piece, so beautiful.

[@jez443]

I think this movie had one of the most perfect marriages of thematic music and imagery I’ve ever experienced. It brought me to tears at times. What an incredible time to be alive

[@shamgar75]

Love Hans. It's so great hearing him speak on his approach to music and how he scores. Also really cool how he finds different musicians and writes with them in mind. So neat. Love how he does mention and credits all the musicians and how he appreciates each one of them.

[@ThierryChamps]

One of my favorite composers with whom I had the chance to share the stage and meet personally offstage. An unforgettable moment.

[@JetStrmSam]

A time of quiet between the storms strikes such a cord in me and brings a tear to my eye. I don’t know why but Hans just nails the emotional side of his music. Reminds me of his gladiator compositions.

[@johnpatrickkotermanskijr6308]

Scarf game on point