A new trailer for “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” has been causing quite a stir due to its striking resemblance to the original 1984 movie trailer starring Eddie Murphy. The mastermind behind this nostalgic trailer is Benedict Coulter, a seasoned editor who also worked on the first Beverly Hills Cop trailer four decades ago while at Kaleidoscope Films.
Back in the day, Coulter was among a select group of artists crafting trailers for films, infusing them with his signature style of dynamic teasers paired with unforgettable songs. Netflix was so impressed by Coulter’s work that they commissioned him to create a special trailer for the July 3 premiere of Axel F. The catch was incorporating the late Don LaFontaine’s iconic voiceover from Coulter’s previous Beverly Hills Cop II trailer into the new one.
Coulter reminisces about the era when trailers relied heavily on voiceovers, contrasting it with today’s trend of graphics and cards. His approach was bold and energetic, embodying the essence of ’80s trailer editing with a focus on impactful music and quick pacing. Despite initial hesitations from the director, Coulter stayed true to his style, delivering a trailer that captured the essence of the film.
The original Beverly Hills Cop trailer was a rushed yet successful project for Coulter, completed over a single weekend to impress producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. Cutting to the beat of “Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters, Coulter’s quick turnaround and creative choices paid off, earning praise for his version one finish.
The new Axel F trailer mirrors the iconic moments of the original film, evoking nostalgia with Murphy’s humor, the Pointer Sisters’ music, and memorable scenes featuring Judge Reinhold. Coulter, now a co-owner of Rebel advertising agency, reflects on the thrill of crafting this trailer and the joy it brought him.
For Coulter, this project has been a thrilling journey reaffirming his passion for editing and seizing opportunities like these. The fusion of past and present in the Axel F trailer encapsulates the essence of the beloved franchise, resonating with fans old and new.
