Eddie Murphy in talks to star in ‘Pink Panther’ movie

Eddie Murphy is in talks to star in the ‘Pink Panther’, the MGM comedy based on the classic property, as Inspector Clouseau according to reports.

The news comes from The Hollywood Reporter, with the film set to be directed by Jeff Fowler (Sonic the Hedgehog). The script is written by Chris Bremner, while Rideback’s Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich (Aladdin) producing it. Larry Mirisch and Julie Andrews are also set to produce.

Murray would follow in the footsteps of Steven Martin and Peter Sellers

Should Murphy sign on for the role, he would follow in the footsteps of Steve Martin and Peter Sellers, who played Inspector Clouseau in the past. The latter played the detective in roughly half of the 11 movie instalments thus far.

The ‘Pink Panther’ films tell the story of Clouseau, with the first film involving a jewel called the Pink Panther. A cartoon panther appeared in the opening credits, becoming a hit on its own and starring in cartoons since then.

The project will reportedly be a live-action/CG hybrid and would have a buddy cop movie tone, as the Inspector and Panther would team up fo the first time ever on the big screen.

Big year for Murphy

News of the project comes amid what has been a big year for Murphy.

Back in early January, Murphy was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globes.

“I’ve been in show business for 46 years, and I’ve been in the movie business for 41 years, so this has been a long time in the making and greatly appreciated,” said Murphy.

He also told Etalk that he would be interested in reprising his role as Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ franchise if the opportunity ever arose.

“I’d absolutely be open if they ever came with another ‘Shrek’, I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey,” said Murphy.

Murphy made a name for himself thanks to hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America’ in the 1980s, ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘Doctor Dolittle’ in the 1990s.