Martin courted for 'Pink Panther'
role
HOLLYWOOD -- MGM Studios has offered Steve Martin the lead role in "Birth of the Pink Panther," hoping he can resurrect the franchise originated by Peter Sellers. Studio sources told Daily Variety they expect talks to turn to negotiations shortly. But sources close to Martin aren't convinced, saying the comedian-turned-actor-turned-author is unsure he wants to play such a well-formed and famous character. If a deal can be worked out, Martin would star in the film in 2004. MGM has been trying for years to restart the "Pink Panther" franchise, which put Sellers' bumbling Inspector Clouseau in high-level crime situations that always resulted in pratfalls and farcical comedy. The studio once courted Mike Myers for the Clouseau role but balked at paying him $20 million. Martin is reported to have read the preliminary script on the weekend and is expected to make a decision shortly. He seems a natural to play Clouseau, both because of his impeccable physical comedy skills and renewed bankability from the smash comedy "Bringing Down the House," Variety said.
HOLLYWOOD -- MGM Studios has offered Steve Martin the lead role in "Birth of the Pink Panther," hoping he can resurrect the franchise originated by Peter Sellers. Studio sources told Daily Variety they expect talks to turn to negotiations shortly. But sources close to Martin aren't convinced, saying the comedian-turned-actor-turned-author is unsure he wants to play such a well-formed and famous character. If a deal can be worked out, Martin would star in the film in 2004. MGM has been trying for years to restart the "Pink Panther" franchise, which put Sellers' bumbling Inspector Clouseau in high-level crime situations that always resulted in pratfalls and farcical comedy. The studio once courted Mike Myers for the Clouseau role but balked at paying him $20 million. Martin is reported to have read the preliminary script on the weekend and is expected to make a decision shortly. He seems a natural to play Clouseau, both because of his impeccable physical comedy skills and renewed bankability from the smash comedy "Bringing Down the House," Variety said.
Charles Mims
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