Eddie Murphy has confirmed he will play Inspector Clouseau in an upcoming Pink Panther film, ending months of speculation. The announcement came during an interview with Al Roker on Today, marking a new chapter for the legendary comedian and actor as he takes on this well-known character.
Eddie Murphy’s Expanding Film Projects
<pMurphy shared that although he had planned to reduce his workload, projects kept coming his way. "I’m getting ready to do a [biopic of] George Clinton, [his music collective] Parliament-Funkadelic. I’m getting ready to do George Clinton," he revealed. He also confirmed he has already started work on Shrek 5, and added, "I’m going to be — I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther."
When Roker appeared surprised by Murphy’s casting, Murphy joked about bringing a fresh take to the role, saying,
“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.”
History of the Iconic Inspector Clouseau Role
The role of Inspector Clouseau has been played by several notable actors in the past, starting with Peter Sellers, who originated the character. Others who have taken on the part include Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, and Steve Martin, each contributing their own style to the role’s legacy.
Ongoing Work on Shrek 5 and Donkey Spinoff
Alongside his work on the Pink Panther project, Murphy discussed progress on Shrek 5.
“We’re still in the booth, and literally, we’re still doing Shrek,”
he said in a conversation with ScreenRant. Production for a spinoff starring his character Donkey is slated to start in September.
“We’re doing a Donkey one, and that’ll be three years from now, but we’re about two years into Shrek 5. Still in the booth and about to start Donkey in September,”
Murphy explained.
He likened the Donkey spinoff to the Puss in Boots film, describing it as a unique story involving Donkey’s family.
“Donkey’s going to have his own movie, own little story with his dragon wife and his kids that are half-dragon and half-donkeys. They’ve written this funny story. We’re doing that, starting that in September.”
Returning Cast and New Additions in Shrek 5
Murphy will return as Donkey in Shrek 5, joined by Mike Myers reprising Shrek and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. A new cast member, Zendaya, is set to portray the daughter of Shrek and Fiona, adding fresh dynamic to the beloved franchise.
