Eddie Murphy Reveals He’s Playing Inspector Clouseau in New ‘Pink Panther’ Movie

Eddie Murphy is going to think pink.

The comedy legend has revealed that he will take on the role of Inspector Clouseau in a new “Pink Panther” movie.

Murphy, who stars in the upcoming action comedy “The Pickup,” with Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer, said playing the iconic character is on the docket of his upcoming projects.

“I’m getting ready to do a George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic. I’m getting ready to do George Clinton,” he told Al Roker about playing the funk music legend in an interview that aired July 28 on TODAY.

Eddie Murphy is ready to take over a beloved comedy role when he plays Inspector Clouseau.TODAY

“(I’ve) already started ‘Shrek 5.’ And I’m going to be — I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next ‘Pink Panther,’” he continued.

“Wait, what?” asked a surprised Al.

“Yeah, I’m the new Clouseau,” Murphy replied.

“You’re the new Inspector Clouseau?” Al asked.

“Yeah, I’m the new Clouseau,” the “Beverly Hills Cop” star confirmed.

Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau from 1963's "Pink Panther."
Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau from 1963’s “The Pink Panther.”Art Zelin / Getty Images

Al then asked if Murphy, 64, will be French in the film, like the character is.

“Maybe,” he coyly responded while laughing. “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 the bumbling Inspector Clouseau was originated by Peter Sellers in 1963’s “The Pink Panther,” and he appeared in multiple sequels before his death.

Steve Martin took on the role in the 2006 reboot “The Pink Panther,” and reprised the part in “The Pink Panther 2” in 2009.

Steve Martin as Inspector Jacques Clouseau from 2006's "Pink Panther."
Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau from 2006’s “The Pink Panther.”Alamy Stock Photo

Murphy, who has been linked to Inspector Clouseau for years, also has his eyes on another famous 1960s film, previously saying he’s interested in remaking the 1963 comedy “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.”

Murphy acknowledged his roles have have changed over the years, as he’s shifted away from the wisecracking upstart to a more mature presence.

“Usually I’m the young maverick guy. And now ‘I’m the old voice of reason,” he said, while also pointing out the trouble that comes with doing action films when you’re not so young anymore.

“When you get our age, you have to pay,” he continued. “If you whip somebody’s ass when you’re our age, you kind of whip your own ass, too.”

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