Titular panther will take centre stage in new film…
It has been announced that a full-length live-action/cg hybrid film based on ‘The Pink Panther’ is in development over at MGM.
Director David Silverman (‘The Simpsons Movie,’ ‘Monsters, Inc.,’ ‘The Road to El Dorado’) is attached to direct, with the film focusing on the titular Pink Panther character, rather than Inspector Jacques Clouseau, and will harken back to the tone shared by the original Friz Freleng and David De Patie cartoons as well as that of Blake Edwards’ series of films. David Stern and Jim Hecht are providing the script. Edwards’ widow, Academy Award-winning actress Julie Andrews, will produce the project alongside Walter Mirisch, who served as executive producer on the original ‘Pink Panther’ films and television series.
“We are incredibly proud to re-introduce the ‘Pink Panther’ to a brand new generation in such a fresh way. Even more exciting is the chance to work again with our dear friends Walter Mirisch and Julie Andrews, as well as the talented David Silverman, whose enthusiasm convinced us to ‘Think Pink!’,” said MGM president Jonathan Glickman in a statement.
“I am proud that the ‘Pink Panther’– both the feature films and the great library of cartoons created by David De Patie and Friz Freleng that sprang from it– continues to be one of the brightest jewels in the crown of Mirisch films,” added Mirisch. “Now, for the first time, the live action franchise will be united with the world- famous cartoon character in a new hybrid feature film. I am excited by our concept and I look forward to an outstanding movie entertainment.”
“I am delighted that the legacy of Blake’s iconic ‘Pink Panther’ franchise will continue to grow in its new hybrid form. It is exciting that the quintessential ‘next step’ for our beloved Panther will be enjoyed by a 4th generation of audiences. I feel that Blake is encouraging us on,” said Andrews.