Eddie Murphy to Step Into Inspector Clouseau’s Shoes in New ‘Pink Panther’ Film

Eddie Murphy is adding yet another legendary role to his résumé, confirming that he will star as Inspector Clouseau in the next installment of the “Pink Panther” franchise. The news, first reported by Deadline last year, was officially acknowledged by Murphy in a conversation with Today’s Al Roker.

Murphy admitted that while he had once intended to slow down, his schedule of upcoming projects has only grown. “I’m getting ready to do a George Clinton [biopic], Parliament-Funkadelic. I’ve already started Shrek 5. And I’m going to be Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther,” Murphy shared.

When asked whether Clouseau, traditionally a French character, would retain his heritage in the new film, Murphy responded with a trademark hint of mischief: “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.”

The role of Inspector Clouseau was originally made famous by Peter Sellers in the 1963 classic directed by Blake Edwards, with Sellers' bumbling detective character becoming a pop culture icon. Since then, Clouseau has been portrayed by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, and Steve Martin in various sequels and reboots.

The character also appeared in numerous animated adaptations alongside the iconic Pink Panther cartoon.