Well it's official, the new 'Panther' is underway. 'Leo the Lion' attended Friday morning's press conference by MGM at the Waldorf Astoria. Shooting starts in New York on Monday:
"Steve Martin was on-hand with his co-stars Kevin Kline, Jean Reno, Beyonce Knowles, Kristen Chenoweth, and Emily Mortimer along with producer Robert Simonds and director Shawn Levy. The press only had eyes for Beyonce who will write and produce songs for the soundtrack and will perform two of the songs in the film itself. Steve Martin was asked if he was juggling potential franchises with this film, "Bringing Down the House" and "Cheaper by the Dozen". Martin, sporting a newly-grown Clouseau moustache, denied that he had plans for sequels to any of his films. Director Shawn Levy confirmed that the new film is a modern reinterpretation of the original series rather than a remake or prequel. The cast enthused that rehearsals were going well and Martin gave a brief demonstration of his rendition of the famous Clouseau French accent before the cast posed for photos"
MGM has also released an official synopsis: "A world-famous soccer coach has been murdered and his priceless ring has been stolen - a ring set with the stunning diamond known as the Pink Panther. The French government needs a master detective to solve the crime and recover the gem...but he's not available, so they recruit Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Comic superstar Steve Martin stars as Clouseau in an all-new adventure of THE PINK PANTHER. A stunning pop star (Beyoncé), a soccer player, a Chinese assassin - who committed the crime? And can anyone solve the case? Clouseau and his partner, Ponton (Reno), must unmask the murderer and keep their boss, Dreyfus (Kline), from taking credit for the victory, all without bringing the French legal system to a screeching halt. Get ready to be tickled pink"
Thanks to 'Leo' & 'SB'









