Eddie Murphy Says He’s the New Clouseau in ‘Pink Panther’ Reboot
Eddie Murphy is getting ready to bring some serious laughs to the big screen, this time as the one and only Inspector Clouseau in a new Pink Panther movie.
During a July 28 interview on TODAY with Al Roker, Murphy casually revealed that he’s stepping into the famous role made popular by Peter Sellers back in the 1960s.
While talking about everything he’s got lined up, including a George Clinton biopic and Shrek 5, Murphy dropped the news that surprised even Roker.
“I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next ‘Pink Panther,’” Murphy said with a grin. Roker had to double-check what he just heard. “Wait, what?” he asked. “Yeah, I’m the new Clouseau,” Murphy confirmed.
He then joked about what kind of accent he might use in the movie. “Well, he has to be French, but he could also be Haitian. I will tell you, he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure,” he laughed.
Clouseau is one of the most iconic comedy characters in movie history. First played by Peter Sellers in 1963, the clumsy detective appeared in several sequels. Steve Martin later took over the role in 2006 and returned for the 2009 sequel.
Murphy has had his eye on this character for a while. According to various reports, he’s been linked to the role for years, and now it looks like it’s officially happening.
The project is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios, who took over after acquiring MGM. The movie is still in development, but it will reportedly combine live action with CGI and include both Inspector Clouseau and the animated Pink Panther character.
The original plan for a reboot was announced back in 2014, and over the years, the team behind it has shifted. Jeff Fowler is now set to direct, with Chris Bremner writing the script. Julie Andrews, who was married to Pink Panther creator Blake Edwards, is also involved creatively.
Murphy isn’t just busy with Pink Panther. He’s also starring in The Pickup with Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer and has mentioned wanting to remake It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World , another big comedy from the 1960s.
As for how it feels to be doing action and comedy now, Murphy admitted things are a little different. “Usually I’m the young maverick guy. And now I’m the old voice of reason,” he said. “When you get our age, you have to pay. If you whip somebody’s ass when you’re our age, you kind of whip your own ass, too.”
It’s still early days for the new Pink Panther, but with Murphy leading the way, fans can expect something fun, fresh, and definitely a little wild.
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