Director Denis Villeneuve has voiced his disappointment over the Academy's decision to exclude 'Dune: Part Two' from the Best Original Score category for the 97th Academy Awards. The acclaimed sci-fi sequel, which follows the success of its 2021 predecessor that won the award, was disqualified due to its score's similarity to the first film.
Villeneuve praised composer Hans Zimmer, stating, "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." He emphasized the continuity between the two films, arguing that they are essentially one story split into two parts.
Despite this setback, Villeneuve remains committed to the franchise, currently working on 'Dune: Messiah,' the third installment based on Frank Herbert's novel. The film will see the return of stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, as it explores Paul Atreides' reign and the challenges he faces.
Meanwhile, Zendaya shared her own struggles during filming in the Jordan desert, revealing she experienced heatstroke due to avoiding water to minimize bathroom breaks. Her experience highlights the intense conditions faced by the cast while bringing this epic story to life.