One of the oldest film franchises has once again been given new life and, as always, the announcement brings both hesitation and measured excitement for longtime fans.

Eddie Murphy is now the lead of an upcoming redux of “The Pink Panther.” News that Murphy is up for the role of Inspector Clouseau will not come across as a slight to legendary actor and series star, the late Peter Sellers.

After all, reports of a newcomer taking over for Sellers is nothing new; in fact, it’s a reminder of how many times this has already occurred.

[And how many times it hasn’t worked. Blake Edwards beat this franchise to death even when Peter Sellers was still alive, and made the mistake of trying to keep it on life support after that. Roberto Begnini and Steve Martin, both talented comic actors, couldn’t breathe magic back into it. Maybe Murphy can, but one has to wonder why he’s bothering to try — except for the fact that Hollywood really isn’t doing anything original these days anyway. — Ed]