‘Dune: Part Two’ Features ‘Boots’ from ’28 Years Later’ Trailer

The Haunting Fusion of Dune: Part Two and Kipling’s Poetry

Although the Academy may have overlooked Hans Zimmer’s remarkable score for Dune: Part Two, there is a resounding consensus among fans that it adds a profound dimension to this cinematic masterpiece. Recently, a creative user on X (formerly Twitter) suggested a captivating concept: a trailer for Dune: Part Two accompanied by the powerful war poem “Boots” by Rudyard Kipling, reminiscent of the iconic trailer for 28 Days Later. Can you picture it?

A Unique Cinematic Mashup

Inspired by the intense atmosphere of the 28 Days Later trailer, user @kocasoda productions reimagined key scenes from Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic. The edit features nail-biting moments, including the awe-inspiring emergence of the sandworm, Paul’s defiant gesture before his confrontation with Feyd-Rautha, and Chani’s pivotal reveal in Paul’s prophetic dreams. This edited trailer is paired with Taylor Holmes’ spoken-word rendition of Kipling’s 1903 poem, crafting a haunting and immersive experience.

dune: part two x 28 years later trailer pic.twitter.com/hInXEqCRGW

— @kocasoda productions (@jeanjacketremix) December 17, 2024

Understanding Kipling’s “Boots”

Originally composed in 1903, “Boots” reflects on the psyche of a British soldier during the Second Boer War, depicting a relentless mental rhythm akin to a soldier’s march. Ralph Durand’s A Handbook to the Poetry of Rudyard Kipling suggests that reading the first four words of each line at two words per second mirrors the marching tempo of those soldiers.

“We’re foot—slog—slog—slog—sloggin’ over AfricaFoot—foot—foot—foot—sloggin’ over Africa —(Boots—boots—boots—boots—movin’ up and down again!)There’s no discharge in the war!”

– ‘Boots’ by Rudyard Kipling

The Poem’s Surprising Modern Relevance

Interestingly, Holmes’ rendition of this poem has been featured in the U.S. Navy’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training program, which prepares recruits for extreme scenarios, including potential capture and torture.

What has propelled this century-old poem back into the spotlight? Many would argue that recent global events have created an atmosphere reminiscent of a continuous struggle, echoing the relentless themes found in Kipling’s work. The resurgence of this poem’s popularity can be traced back to its use in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later trailer, where it matched the eerie visuals and themes of survival, illustrating a perpetual state of conflict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVk723KdCFU

28 YEARS LATER – Official Trailer | Coming Soon Exclusively In Cinemas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVk723KdCFU)

The chilling alignment of Kipling’s verses with the grim narrative explored in 28 Days Later showcases a frenetic battle against a zombie apocalypse, where survival feels perpetually out of reach.

The Poem’s Impact Beyond Film

“Boots”has also resurfaced in the gaming world, notably in the cinematic trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Zombies Terminus. This trailer features scenes set in a prison on Terminus Island, reinforcing the theme of survival against overwhelming odds.

The dual appearances of Kipling’s poem this year highlight its profound impact on popular culture. As audiences discover its rich history, they engage with these trailers and edits, connecting the past with present-day struggles.

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