Eddie Murphy to star in a new Pink Panther film, says 'I’m Inspector Clouseau'

Pink Panther is a franchise in the mystery comedy genre, which consists of several films of the same name from across the decades. It began in 1963 with the first film and was followed by several sequels and reboots over the years.

Recently, it's been reported that Eddie Murphy has been cast to star in the new installment. He will be playing the lead role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a French police detective. Murphy himself has confirmed the news and said that he is playing the protagonist in the forthcoming The Pink Panther film. He said,

“I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther.”

Eddie Murphy to star in the new Pink Panther film

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In a recent interview with Today, Eddie Murphy spoke about his slate of upcoming films. One of them is the new Pink Panther film. Talking about the same, the comedian-actor revealed that he will be playing the lead role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau. He said,

“I’m getting ready to do a [biopic of] George Clinton, [his music collective] Parliament-Funkadelic. I’m getting ready to do George Clinton, I’ve already started Shrek 5. And I’m going to be — I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther.”

When asked if his role would be French, Murphy said:

“Maybe. Well, he has to be French, but he could also be Haitian. I will tell you, he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure.”

In the same interview, the former SNL star said that he had “planned on slowing down, and things just happened." He was referring to his long list of upcoming films. The news of Murphy in talks to star in the film first broke out in May 2023. At that time, it was reported that the film would be directed by Jeff Fowler, known for helming Sonic the Hedgehog.

The script is penned by Chris Bremner, while Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are serving as its producers under their banner Rideback. Julie Andrews and Larry Mirisch are co-producers, while Ryan Halprin is the executive producer.

The first film in the franchise, titled The Pink Panther, was released on Decembe18, 1963. It had Peter Sellers playing the role of the French detective. The film focused on a good-for-nothing detective who is trying to stop a thief from stealing the Pink Panther diamond.

Over the years, actors like Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, and Steve Martin have portrayed this character, and it has also featured in the animated series. Some of the films in the franchise include A Shot in the Dark, Inspector Clouseau, and The Return of the Pink Panther, among others.

Meanwhile, Murphy started his career as a stand-up comedian and gained prominence with his appearance on Saturday Night Live. He eventually transitioned into film acting with projects like the buddy cop action drama Beverly Hills Cop franchise and Coming to America.

Are you excited about Murphy starring in The Pink Panther?