**Eddie Murphy to Star as Inspector Clouseau in New Pink Panther Reboot Inspired by Infamous Louvre Heist**
*Published October 28, 2025, 7:58 p.m. ET*
Eddie Murphy is stepping into one of cinema’s most beloved comic roles – Inspector Clouseau – and RadarOnline.com can reveal that this time, his Pink Panther reboot will center on one of Europe’s newest and most infamous crimes.
Insiders report that the 64-year-old actor’s upcoming film will feature a fictionalized version of the recent daring Louvre Museum robbery, in which priceless gems were stolen during a high-profile heist. Currently in pre-production at MGM, the movie will mark Murphy’s first portrayal of the bumbling French detective, a role originally made famous by Peter Sellers in the 1960s.
### A Modern Twist on a Classic Comedy
Murphy confirmed the project during an interview on NBC’s *Today* show, telling host Al Roker he would soon begin filming the new Pink Panther movie.
“I’ve already started *Shrek 5*,” he said. “And I’m going to be – I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther.”
According to sources close to the production, the new film’s plot will follow Clouseau as he stumbles through an investigation into the theft of a legendary diamond from the Louvre.
“It’s a reimagining of the now infamous heist,” said a production insider familiar with the script. “The heist takes place in Paris, and Murphy’s Clouseau is convinced he’s on the trail of an international syndicate – but of course, he’s mostly chasing his own tail.”
### Inspired by the Real-Life Louvre Heist
In October 2025, four masked thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to break into the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon and steal eight royal jewels worth nearly $100 million. The heist, which lasted barely seven minutes, saw the criminals smash display cases and flee on scooters. One thief dropped Empress Eugénie’s diamond-and-emerald crown, which was later recovered but damaged.
Two suspects have been arrested, as France faces outrage over museum security failures.
“Everyone will remember the chaos of that for years,” said a former Louvre security consultant. “The thieves were gone within minutes and knew exactly what they were doing.”
### Murphy’s Bold and Modern Reimagining
Murphy’s version of Clouseau will, according to sources, “mix classic slapstick with a global crime-caper feel.” The actor hinted at bringing a new cultural spin on the character during his interview with Roker.
When asked if Clouseau would still be French, Murphy replied, “Maybe. Well, he has to be French, but he could also be Haitian. I will tell you, he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure.”
Producers are reportedly eyeing a 2026 release date, with filming expected to begin in Paris later this year.
A source close to the project described the film as “part *Mission: Impossible*, part farce.”
“Eddie brings something new – that effortless blend of chaos and charm,” the source added. “This isn’t just another reboot – it’s a reinvention.”
### Honoring the Classic While Moving It Forward
The original *Pink Panther*, released in 1963 and directed by Blake Edwards, followed Sellers’s Clouseau as he tried – and failed – to stop a suave jewel thief from stealing the titular diamond. The series spawned multiple sequels and inspired generations of physical comedy, with actors including Alan Arkin, Roger Moore, and Steve Martin later taking on the role.
For Murphy, this project adds to a packed slate that includes the long-awaited *Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F* sequel and an upcoming George Clinton biopic.
“I planned on slowing down, and things just happened,” Murphy said. “But when the Pink Panther came up – that’s one I couldn’t resist.”
https://radaronline.com/p/eddie-murphy-pink-panther-film-features-louvre-robbery-plot/
