Eddie Murphy is headed back to the big screen, this time stepping into a legendary role from a classic '60s comedy franchise. He’ll play the part of a clumsy detective in a modern reboot of a longtime fan-favorite character.
In an interview with TODAY, Murphy shared news of the project with Al Roker. This new role is the latest in a string of projects that will keep the actor and comedian on the public radar for the next several years.
“I’m getting ready to do a George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic [project],” Murphy revealed. “(I’ve) already started Shrek 5. And I’m going to be Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther.”
This led Roker to ask Murphy if the character will be French, as the character famously was in the string of films before this reboot. He replied, “Maybe. Well, he has to be French, but he could also be Haitian.”
He concluded, “I will tell you, he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure.”
Back in 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Murphy was in talks for the role. At that time, the outlet reported the film would be a combination of live action and CG.
“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 explained. However, it has not yet been confirmed if this initial premise remains for the new film.
Prior to Murphy tackling the role, Inspector Clouseau was played by a total of six actors. These included Peter Sellers, Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, Daniel Gelin, Joanna Lumley, and Steve Martin.
Murphy currently stars in the action comedy The Pickup with Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer. The film features two mismatched armored truck drivers who are ambushed by a criminal mastermind.
The film heads to theaters on Aug. 6, 2025.