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Cue the Henry Mancini music. Just one year after the very first Pink Panther film celebrates its 40th anniversary, Inspector Jacques Clouseau will be heading back to the big screen in an update for the 21st century.

For this new adventure, the bumbling French detective is investigating the sudden disappearance of his home nation's national coach. At the same time, the infamous Pink Panther diamond, national treasure of the nation of Lugash, has once again disappeared. It's up to Clouseau to solve that mystery as well.

Thus far, the beloved Inspector Clouseau has been the central subject of ten films, most of them starring the marvelous physical comedian Peter Sellers. Since then, we've also had Clouseaus portayed by Alan Arkin (mistake), Roger Moore (ummm) and Roberto Benigni (though as the title Son of the Pink Panther might indicate, he played the inspector's son). Blake Edwards directed and co-wrote all ten films other than the Arkin debacle.

After years of hemming and hawing about who would be the perfect guy to fill Sellers' shoes (let's face it, the role always belonged to him even if a couple of other guys tried to take it on), MGM finally settled on Steve Martin, who will reteam with his Cheaper by the Dozen director Shawn Levy for this production. In this version of the story, a world-famous soccer coach is murdered and his ring is stolen - a ring that just happens to be set with the famous Pink Panther diamond. A master detective is needed to solve the crime, but unfortunately, he is unavailable. Thus, Inspector Clouseau is assigned to the job, where he'll work alongside his partner Ponton, to find the criminal.

2003 was a year of resurgence for Martin, who found huge hits with Bringing Down the House and the aforementioned Cheaper by the Dozen. With his strong talent for physical comedy and the name recognition of the franchise, it appears he's certainly in line for another box office hit. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

March 5, 2004
French actor Jean Reno has joined the cast of the film, and will play Clouseau's driver Ponton, who is actually an undercover cop assigned to keep an eye on the bumbling detective. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

March 18, 2004
Beyonce has been confirmed as part of the film's cast. She will play a pop singer named Xania who is accused of stealing a diamond from her dead boyfriend.

Also currently in talks is Kevin Kline, who is being targeted for the role of Chief Inspector Dreyfus, the role that was originated by Herbert Lom. (Kim Hollis/BOP)

Vital statistics for The Pink Panther Main Cast Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Beyonce Knowles Supporting Cast Kevin Kline, Kristin Chenoweth Director Shawn Levy Screenwriter Len Blum Distributor MGM Trailer Click Here for Trailer Official Site http://www.pinkpantherthemovie.com/ Rating PG Running Time 92 minutes Screen Count 3,447 Awards Awards page for The Pink Panther Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture

Comparison films for The Pink Panther
Title	Date	Opening	Adjusted Opening	Screens	PSA	Adj PSA	Total BO	Adjusted Total	Mult
Bringing Down the House	3/7/03	31.10	31.10	2801	11104.00	11104.0	132.68	132.68	4.27
Cheaper by the Dozen	12/26/03	27.56	27.56	3298	8355.87	8355.9	138.61	138.61	0.00
Johnny English	7/18/03	9.13	9.13	2236	4085.00	4085.0	27.97	27.97	3.04
Sgt. Bilko	3/29/96	8.11	11.06	2304	3520.00	4619.0	30.17	41.16	3.72
Son of the Pink Panther	8/27/93	1.13	1.64	983	1150.00	1611.1	2.38	3.46	2.11