Hans Zimmer, celebrated as one of the greatest film score composers, is known for memorable contributions to cinematic hits such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight, and Interstellar. In a recent discussion with interviewer Reece Feldman, Zimmer made a surprising choice when asked to rank his own works. Despite once favoring Interstellar, Zimmer disclosed that his top pick is the music for Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes film, leaving fans intrigued and nostalgic.
Zimmer’s dilemma began with a choice between his Oscar-winning score for The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean. He opted for The Lion King, revealing emotional ties to the project, as it resonated deeply with him due to its themes of fatherhood. The composer, who lost his father at a young age, found catharsis through the project. This decision even sidelined his revered work on Gladiator.
While Inception overthrew The Lion King for the top spot, it was Zimmer’s dismissal of Interstellar in favor of Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes score that caught fans off guard. Ultimately, Sherlock Holmes was surpassed by The Dark Knight, culminating in what Zimmer views as his definitive work. This ranking choice might surprise those who regard Nolan’s space epic as Zimmer’s personal pinnacle.
Zimmer candidly admitted in a TikTok video addressing fan queries that dodging the question of his favorite score had become a habit. However, in his conversation with Feldman, he was clear about the early contention between Interstellar and Sherlock Holmes. Notably, his work on Interstellar gained him another Oscar nomination and stands as a highlight in his collaborations with Christopher Nolan.
Zimmer’s choice renews appreciation for the Sherlock Holmes film score, bringing the spotlight to Robert Downey Jr.’s enthralling portrayal of the titular detective. As audiences delve back into these musical landscapes, Zimmer’s influence in the realm of film scoring remains significant. Fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for the legendary composer, leaving them with the tantalizing notion that perhaps his favorite score has yet to be composed.
