Martin tipped for Clouseau role

Steve Martin has been approached to take over Peter Sellers's role in a new Inspector Clouseau revival.

MGM studio chiefs are confident the comic will agree to take the lead role in Birth of the Pink Panther when it is made next year.

But Hollywood bible Variety says Martin is worried about stepping into such a well-established character that Peter Sellers made his own.

The new film will see Clouseau solving the murder of the French soccer team coach while investigating the disappearance of the legendary Pink Panther diamond.

Mike Myers has previously been approached for the role, but the studio balked at his $20 million demands, and Chris Tucker's name is also in the frame.

Published: 13 Oct 2003