Just in time to celebrate the Pink Panther‘s 40th birthday, actor Steve Martin has signed on to step into Inspector Jacques Clouseau’s gumshoes in MGM Pictures’ all-new comedy The Birth of the Pink Panther, it was announced today by Chris McGurk, vice chairman and COO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., and Michael Nathanson, president & COO of MGM Pictures. In what will be the ninth film in the studio’s immensely popular Pink Panther franchise, Martin will put his own touch on the beloved Clouseau character working with his Cheaper by the Dozen director Shawn Levy. Dozen’s Robert Simonds will produce the comedy from a script by Len Blum, with Tracey Trench as executive producer. Production is set to begin in spring 2004.
“We are thrilled that Steve, Bob, and Shawn have all signed on for The Birth of the Pink Panther,” says McGurk. “The Pink Panther series is one of MGM’s most successful and enduring franchises, and we’re pleased to have assembled such a stellar creative team to take the new film in a fresh and exciting direction.”
“Steve, Bob and Shawn have already been working on hilarious ideas that I think will surprise many people,” says Nathanson. “We’re already helping them pursue their inspired casting choices and putting the finishing touches on a wonderful script; it’s an immensely exciting project for the studio.”
“This is more than just a movie for us,” says producer Simonds. “We understand what a huge priority this is for MGM, so it’s an incredible honor to be a part of it. It’s a dream project for all of us involved.”
“Steve is an inspired comedian and a great actor; he’s a perfect choice to play Inspector Clouseau,” says director Levy, whose hit comedy Just Married made over $100 million worldwide. “Our working relationship is so fluid at this point that I look forward to taking it to the next level with the Pink Panther franchise.”
Released in 1964, The Pink Panther was the first film in the Panther franchise. Directed by Blake Edwards from a script by Maurice Richlin and Edwards, The Pink Panther featured bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau as played by legendary actor Peter Sellers. The character was so popular with audiences he spawned seven follow-up films: A Shot in the Dark, Return of the Pink Panther, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Revenge of the Pink Panther, Trail of the Pink Panther, Curse of the Pink Panther, and Son of the Pink Panther. Blake Edwards directed all eight films. Revenge of the Pink Panther was Sellers’ last film as Clouseau, though outtakes and never-before-seen footage were used to bring Sellers back onscreen in Trail of the Pink Panther after his death. Ted Wass starred as Clouseau in Curse of the Pink Panther, while Academy Award-winner Roberto Begnini took over the reins as Clouseau’s heir in Son of the Pink Panther. Revered for its inspired brand of slapstick style, the series is also known for Henry Mancini’s Grammy-winning theme song as well as the Oscar-winning Pink Panther cartoon character, who was born in the opening credits of the first Panther film. Contrary to popular belief, the original Pink Panther was neither Inspector Clouseau nor the cartoon; it was actually a rare and valuable diamond featured in the first film. The diamond had a piece of pink amber in its center that looked like a leaping panther.
