Eddie Murphy's Comeback: Pink Panther, Shrek 5, and Reshaping His Legacy

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Eddie Murphy has stepped firmly back into the Hollywood spotlight this week, fueled by multiple headline-making revelations and public appearances that show the comedy icon is still reshaping his legacy in major ways. First, Murphy officially confirmed on the Today show, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, that he will star as the new Inspector Clouseau in the upcoming Pink Panther movie reboot, promising a fresher, Black spin on the beloved bumbling detective. The announcement suggests a significant shift for the franchise and Murphy himself, given the cultural legacy of the Clouseau character.

Adding further heat to his profile, Murphy shared a major update on the long-awaited Shrek 5 during a promotional round for his new project The Pickup. According to Deadline, he revealed he has already recorded new material as Donkey, with the film slated for a 2025 release, two years ahead of previous projections. Murphy also dropped that a Donkey-centric movie, “like how Puss in Boots had his own,” will begin production in September, with release three years out. These moves indicate Murphy is doubling down on voice roles that could keep him central in animated comedy for years.

Simultaneously, Murphy gave fans insight into his self-assessed career highlights in an interview quoted by Comic Basics, listing Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, Shrek, and 48 Hrs. as his personal “Mount Rushmore,” candidly reflecting on the choices and roles—like passing on Ghostbusters for Beverly Hills Cop—that shaped his superstardom.

In business, Murphy’s name has been prominent in streaming circles this week. Pluto TV, owned by Paramount, spotlights him by lining up classic Eddie Murphy films in its September showcase, underscoring the steady streaming demand for his work.

Recent comedy club calendars show Murphy has not been slated for on-stage appearances in Los Angeles this week, despite a boom in live events from comics he’s previously worked with and influenced. Social media mention of Murphy surged following both the Pink Panther and Shrek announcements, with Twitter and Instagram flooded by posts speculating about his “Clouseau voice” and the tone of the new Donkey film. While there are rumors swirling about a possible cameo in a future Saturday Night Live season—particularly after SNL hired a performer dubbed “the next Eddie Murphy,” per The American Spectator—there’s no credible confirmation yet.

No controversies or unverified reports have surfaced in the past few days. All signs indicate Murphy’s current focus is on major studio comedies and voice work, leveraging nostalgia while expanding his impact with new roles poised to mark another transformative phase in a career already packed with milestones.

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