Eddie Murphy is officially stepping into one of comedy’s most iconic roles — Inspector Clouseau — in the upcoming Pink Panther movie reboot. The veteran actor and comedian confirmed the news during a recent appearance on TODAY, sparking excitement among fans of the classic comedy franchise.
Eddie Murphy's New Role: The Next Inspector Clouseau
During a July 28 interview with Al Roker, Murphy discussed several projects currently in development, including:
- The Pickup, an action-comedy co-starring Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer
- A George Clinton biopic, where he’ll portray the funk legend
- Shrek 5, where he’s reprising his voice role as Donkey
- And now, the biggest reveal — he’ll take on the role of Inspector Clouseau in a new Pink Panther film
“I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther,” Murphy casually stated, surprising Roker during the live interview.
When asked if his version of Clouseau would keep the character’s French background, Murphy hinted, “He has to be French, but he could also be Haitian. He’s definitely Black.”
A New Take on a Classic Comedy Character
The character of Inspector Jacques Clouseau was originally introduced in the 1963 film The Pink Panther, famously played by Peter Sellers. The bumbling detective became a pop culture icon, later revived by Steve Martin in the 2006 and 2009 reboots. Now, Eddie Murphy’s Pink Panther promises to bring a fresh, modern twist to the franchise.
Eddie Murphy’s Expanding Film Slate
Murphy’s return to high-profile roles shows no signs of slowing down. From voice acting in Shrek 5 to taking on the life of George Clinton in a music biopic, and now leading the Pink Panther reboot, the 64-year-old star is embracing a new phase in his career.
Reflecting on his evolution as a performer, Murphy said, “I used to be the young maverick. Now I’m the old voice of reason.” He also joked about the toll of action roles at his age: “If you beat someone up on screen, you feel like you got beat up too.”
What to Expect From the New
Pink Panther Movie
The upcoming Pink Panther film is expected to blend classic slapstick comedy with a modern edge, fueled by Murphy’s signature humor and charisma. No official release date has been announced yet, but the project is already generating buzz among longtime fans and new audiences alike.