Eddie Murphy is set to take on one of comedy’s most legendary roles, announcing that he will portray Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the upcoming Pink Panther movie, a reboot of the classic franchise that began in 1963 with Peter Sellers’ iconic performance. Murphy revealed the news during an appearance on the Today show, confirming simply, “I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther… Yeah, I’m the new Clouseau.” The news has since been widely reported across entertainment outlets and industry publications.
In the conversation with Today co-host Al Roker, Murphy, best known for his work in films like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, laughed about whether his version of Clouseau will still speak with a French accent, quipping that the character “has to be French, but he could also be Haitian… He’s Black, he’s Black, for sure.” Murphy’s take signals a fresh cultural spin on the bumbling detective while still honoring the comedic roots of the role.
Inspector Clouseau has been an enduring figure in the Pink Panther franchise, originally brought to life by Sellers in the 1960s and reprised through numerous sequels. Steve Martin later stepped into the role in the 2000s for a pair of rebooted films, blending slapstick with character-driven comedy. Murphy’s casting continues this lineage of reinvention, bringing one of Hollywood’s most successful comedic talents to a character known for his absurd mishaps and indelible accent.
Details about the new Pink Panther project beyond Murphy’s casting remain sparse, but reports indicate that production is underway as part of a larger effort to revive the franchise through a mix of live-action and possibly animated elements. Amazon MGM Studios and filmmaker Jeff Fowler — best known for Sonic the Hedgehog — have been linked to the project, highlighting a modernized take on the classic comedy series.
Murphy’s announcement came amid updates on his other high-profile projects. He noted that he has already begun work on Shrek 5 and is developing a biopic about funk legend George Clinton, illustrating his diverse slate of upcoming roles alongside this major franchise return.
For fans of Murphy and The Pink Panther alike, the news marks a noteworthy moment: a beloved comic actor stepping into shoes once filled by cinema greats, with an opportunity to put his own stamp on one of the genre’s most recognizable comedic characters.
