Eddie Murphy to Play Cinema's Most Bumbling Detective in "Pink Panther" Reboot

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The actor will take on the legendary role of Inspector Clouseau — the bumbling yet charming detective who somehow manages to crack cases despite defying all laws of logic.

The actor confirmed the news personally during a Today Show appearance. When the host asked if Eddie would be playing the French detective specifically, he replied: "Maybe. Or maybe he'll be Haitian."

What We Know About the New Film

According to Ew.com, Jeff Fowler will direct the project — the same filmmaker behind the successful "Sonic the Hedgehog."

Plot details remain under wraps, but we know this won't just be slapstick comedy — it's an attempt to refresh the legend for a new generation of viewers.

Who Is Clouseau — and Who's Played Him Before

Inspector Jacques Clouseau became a cinema legend thanks to Peter Sellers. He played the role in the original "Pink Panther" (1963) and five more films before his death in 1980. His version of Clouseau remains the gold standard of comedic clumsiness, accidental genius, and signature French charm.
Cartoon pink panther and actor Eddie Murphy in a gray-black bomber jacket
Eddie Murphy and character from "Pink Panther" films
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Later attempts to reimagine the character fell flat. In 1968, Alan Arkin starred in the standalone "Inspector Clouseau" — the project bombed, earning just 21% from audiences and 0% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

In 2006, Steve Martin took on the role with "Pink Panther" (21% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes) and the sequel "Pink Panther 2" (13%). Despite critical backlash, the films found their audience thanks to Martin's signature humor and breezy delivery.

What to Expect from Murphy's Version

isn't new to playing charismatic detectives. His Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop" became a genre classic long ago.
"Pink Panther" trailer with Steve Martin
Sure, Clouseau's a different temperament, but combine Murphy's signature delivery with Clouseau's wild absurdity, and you might get something special.

Maybe the character will be purely comedic, maybe more expressive than his predecessors. And if we're really dreaming, it'd be great to finally see Clouseau in a dramatic role for once.

I really hope the actor can breathe life back into this dying franchise. For me, it's been a warm childhood project for years. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered the reboot of another franchise — "X-Men."