Zimmer recalls being fired by Kubrick

Hans Zimmer, the composer known for scores of films such as Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Interstellar, and Inception, recounted being fired by director Stanley Kubrick in a 2021 interview on Alec Baldwin's podcast Here's the Thing. Zimmer said Kubrick ended their collaboration in the 1980s, though he did not specify which project it involved.

Timeline discrepancy noted

Zimmer estimated he was 18 or 19 years old at the time of the incident, which would place it between 1975 and 1977. However, Full Metal Jacket, one of Kubrick's later films, was filmed in 1985 and released in 1987, and Zimmer was born in 1957, making him nearly 30 at that time. This mismatch raises questions about the accuracy of his timeline.

Kubrick's musical background

Zimmer described Kubrick as someone with deep musical knowledge, having studied drums with Gene Krupa, a famous American drummer and jazz orchestra leader. He said Kubrick wanted him to act as a "musical secretary," a role he felt he was not suited for.

Kubrick reached out after firing

After being fired, Zimmer claimed Kubrick contacted him several times, asking about technical aspects of the film production, such as Dolby stereo, and whether Kubrick’s daughter, Vivian, was facing any issues. Zimmer also said Vivian took over the project after his departure.

Clarification needed

Despite Zimmer's account, the timeline of events remains unclear, and further clarification is needed to verify the accuracy of his story. Kubrick's daughter, Vivian, has not publicly commented on this claim, and no official records confirm the details of Zimmer’s involvement with Kubrick.