Eddie Murphy confirms he will star in the new "Pink Panther." He has landed a key role.

The first reports on this topic appeared two years ago. In a recent interview, Eddie Murphy dispelled doubts and revealed that he would indeed play the main character in the next installment of the cult comedy "The Pink Panther." The Hollywood actor also revealed that he would return to the role of Donkey in the "Shrek" spin-off.

Eddie Murphy has an exceptionally busy period ahead of him. The "Beverly Hills Cop" star spoke about his professional plans while appearing on the "Today" show. He revealed that although he intended to "slow down a bit," he has become involved in several intriguing projects in the meantime. One of them is a new installment of the cult comedy "The Pink Panther."

"I'm preparing to shoot a biopic about George Clinton and his music collective Parliament-Funkadelic. I've also started filming 'Shrek 5,' and I'll be Inspector Clouseau in the next 'Pink Panther,'" the 64-year-old actor revealed.

When asked whether the character would remain French in the upcoming production, Murphy responded rather evasively.

"Possibly. He should be French, but he could also be Haitian. One thing is certain: he'll be black," he concluded.

Eddie Murphy/photo Shutterstock

Rumors about a new "Pink Panther" surfaced back in 2023. Media reports at the time suggested the film would be a live-action/animated hybrid. According to reports at the time, Jeff Fowler, director of the two "Sonic the Hedgehog" films, was chosen as director.

The character of the bumbling detective, a parody of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, was first portrayed on screen by Peter Sellers in the 1963 film "The Pink Panther." The plot centers on Inspector Clouseau, who must stop a jewel thief who wants to steal a precious diamond—the titular "Pink Panther." Over the years, the iconic character has been portrayed by Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, and Steve Martin, among others.

Speaking to ScreenRant, Murphy revealed that a "Shrek" spin-off centered on Donkey is in the works. Animation is slated to begin in September.

"The donkey will get his own movie, his own story, complete with a dragon wife and children who are half donkey, half dragon. The script is incredibly funny," the actor revealed.

The premiere of the film will take place in three years at the earliest.