Sony Pictures Releasing said Monday that it has moved the Summer release of its upcoming "The Pink Panther" from its scheduled August 5th release date to February 10th 2006 - a delay of over six months according to Reuters.

The Shawn Levy-helmed comedy, starring Steve Martin in the role made famous by Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, was the one of the films absorbed by Sony when it acquired MGM in April. Originally set to bow late 2005, it was moved back to a Summer 2005 slot earlier this year.

"With the recent acquisition of MGM, we wanted to give our marketing department the time and opportunity to launch this very important franchise. We've seen the movie, and we really love this film. It's a franchise we believe in" says Sony Pictures Releasing president Rory Bruer.

Thanks to 'Trink'.