Eddie Murphy as Inspector Clouseau in New "Pink Panther" Film

A new case for Inspector Clouseau! In an interview with the Today show, Eddie Murphy revealed that a new "Pink Panther" film is in the pipeline – and he himself will be taking on the lead role.

The quirky detective with the mustache and charming accent was created in the 1960s by director Blake Edwards. Clouseau made his first appearance in the 1963 film "The Pink Panther", portrayed by the unforgettable Peter Sellers. But later reboots, including two movies starring Steve Martin, couldn't replicate the original success.

Now, new life is to be breathed into the franchise – this time with Eddie Murphy as Clouseau. Murphy surprised everyone with a witty remark about the cultural background of his character:

"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 new "Pink Panther" will be directed by Jeff Fowler and is planned to be a mix of live-action and animation. A special feature: The eponymous Pink Panther – previously seen only in the opening credits and cartoons – will be actively involved in the story this time. Besides the Clouseau comeback, Murphy also has other projects in the works. He revealed that a spin-off centered on Donkey, his popular character from "Shrek", is in development. In this new film, Donkey will experience his own adventure together with his dragon wife and their children.

Eddie Murphy: The Most Iconic Roles of a Comedy Legend

Eddie Murphy is undoubtedly one of the most influential people in American film and television. As an actor, comedian, and voice artist, he has won over audiences around the world for decades. Whether in action comedies, family films, or as the voice of iconic animated characters, Murphy has consistently demonstrated extraordinary talent for humor, timing, and versatility. So let's take a look at his most famous and impactful roles in this article!

Beverly Hills Cop: The Big Breakthrough as Axel Foley

Eddie Murphy achieved international breakthrough in 1984 with the role of the quick-witted and unconventional Detroit cop Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop". The film, a mix of action and comedy, became a worldwide success and made Murphy a superstar overnight. The character of Axel Foley was made for him: a clever, intuitive investigator who breaks all the rules with his humor and straightforwardness – and still gets results.

"Beverly Hills Cop" spawned two sequels and firmly established Murphy as a major force in Hollywood. In 2024, a fourth installment titled "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" was released on Netflix, once again proving his enduring popularity.

Coming to America: Cultural Phenomenon and Master of Disguise

Another milestone in Murphy's career was the 1988 comedy "Coming to America". In the role of Prince Akeem, who travels from a fictional African kingdom to New York in search of a woman who loves him for who he is – not for his wealth – Murphy was able to showcase the full range of his acting talent.

Particularly noteworthy: Murphy didn't just play the lead role, but also several supporting characters – including an elderly Jewish barber and a soul singer. This versatility became a trademark of many of his later movies. "Coming to America" also received a sequel in 2021.

Trading Places: A Classic of 1980s Comedy

As early as 1983, Eddie Murphy proved his top-tier comedic talent with "Trading Places". Starring alongside Dan Aykroyd, he played a street hustler who is thrown into the world of the stock market as part of a social experiment.

The movie was not only a box office hit but also a clever satire on class differences, prejudice, and capitalism. Murphy shone with his natural presence and his inimitable sense of timing.

Dr. Dolittle & The Nutty Professor: Family-Friendly Comedies

In the 1990s, Murphy increasingly focused his work on family-friendly movies. Two of his most famous roles in this genre are Dr. Dolittle, who can talk to animals, and the lead role in "The Nutty Professor", a remake of the Jerry Lewis classic.

Especially in "The Nutty Professor", Murphy once again demonstrated his versatility: he played multiple roles – including the shy Professor Klump, his overweight family members, and his egocentric alter ego Buddy Love. His ability to convincingly and humorously portray so many characters in one movie solidified his reputation as a "one-man comedy army."

Mulan and Shrek: A Voice One Instantly Recognizes

Eddie Murphy was not only a star in front of the camera but also made film history as a voice actor. In Disney's "Mulan" (1998), he lent his distinctive voice to the small dragon Mushu. The cheeky sidekick was a highlight of the film and provided plenty of laughs.

Even more successful was his work as Donkey in the "Shrek" series. Between 2001 and 2010, Murphy voiced the talkative, kind-hearted, and lovable Donkey, who became a fan favorite alongside the green ogre. Donkey remains one of the most popular animated characters worldwide – a major credit to Murphy's charismatic performance.

Dolemite Is My Name: Critically Acclaimed Film with Depth

After a few quieter years, Eddie Murphy made a strong comeback in 2019 with the Netflix film "Dolemite Is My Name". In the role of Rudy Ray Moore, a real cult filmmaker from the 1970s, Murphy showed that he can be not only funny but also profound and moving.

The movie was praised by critics and even earned Murphy a Golden Globe nomination. Many saw this role as a return to his roots and a rediscovery of his acting talent.

Conclusion: A Versatile Star with Cult Status

Eddie Murphy has proven throughout his career that he is more than just a comedian. He is a versatile artist who has created iconic characters both as a comedian and as a voice actor. Whether as a cheeky cop, African prince, talking donkey, or crazy professor – Murphy remains a fixture in pop culture. His most famous roles have long become classics and have shaped generations of viewers.