Eddie Murphy is returning to the big screen, this time taking on a legendary role from a beloved ’60s comedy franchise. The actor will play the bumbling detective Inspector Clouseau in a modern reboot of the classic Pink Panther series.
Murphy shared the news during an interview with TODAY’s Al Roker, revealing that the project is one of several he has lined up for the coming years.
“I’m getting ready to do a George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic [project],” Murphy said. “(I’ve) already started Shrek 5. And I’m going to be Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther.”
When Roker asked if the character would still be French as in previous iterations, Murphy responded, “Maybe. Well, he has to be French, but he could also be Haitian.”
He added with a laugh, “I will tell you, he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure.”
Back in 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Eddie Murphy was in talks to take on the role of Inspector Clouseau. At the time, the outlet reported that the film would blend live-action with CGI.
“The premise takes a buddy cop movie tone to the proceedings with the Inspector and Panther teaming up for the first time ever on the big screen,” the outlet shared. However, it’s still unclear if that initial premise remains for the upcoming reboot.
Before Murphy, the iconic character of Inspector Clouseau was portrayed by six different actors: Peter Sellers, Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, Daniel Gelin, Joanna Lumley, and Steve Martin.
In the meantime, Murphy can currently be seen in the action comedy The Pickup alongside Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer. The film follows two mismatched armored truck drivers who find themselves ambushed by a criminal mastermind.
The Pickup is set to hit theaters on August 6, 2025.
