Comedy legend Eddie Murphy is stepping into one of cinema’s most iconic—and hilariously clumsy—roles: Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the upcoming Pink Panther reboot, slated for release in 2026. The announcement has sparked excitement across Hollywood and among fans of the beloved franchise, which dates back to 1963.
Murphy confirmed the casting during a recent appearance on the Today show, saying, “I’m Inspector Clouseau in the next Pink Panther. Yeah, I’m the new Clouseau.” When asked whether he’d play the famously French detective with a traditional accent, Murphy teased, “Maybe. He has to be French, but he could also be Haitian. I will tell you—he’s Black. He’s Black, for sure.”
This reboot promises a modern twist on the franchise’s signature blend of slapstick and mystery, with Murphy’s version of Clouseau bringing fresh energy and cultural flair to the role.
The role of Clouseau was originally made famous by Peter Sellers, whose bumbling brilliance defined the character across five films. Later, Steve Martin took on the mantle in the 2006 and 2009 reboots. Murphy’s casting marks a bold reimagining, signaling a new era for the franchise.
The film will reportedly blend live-action and animation, honoring the legacy of the animated Pink Panther character while embracing modern filmmaking techniques.
Murphy’s return to broad comedy—following hits like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and The Pickup—is a welcome move for fans. His ability to embody eccentric characters with heart and humor makes him a natural fit for Clouseau, and the reboot could introduce the franchise to a whole new generation.
Oscar-winning actor and entertainer Jamie Foxx brought Hollywood sparkle to the French Riviera on July 24, 2025, as he hosted the second edition of the Summer Gala by Gala One at the picturesque Golf Club Saint-Tropez. The exclusive event blended high fashion, philanthropy, and celebrity flair—proving once again that Foxx knows how to throw a party with heart.
Dressed in a crisp all-white suit, Foxx was joined by his daughters Corinne Foxx and Anelise Bishop, who turned heads with their stylish ensembles. The gala welcomed a dazzling guest list, including:
Guests enjoyed:
More than just a glamorous affair, the gala raised funds for global causes, including:
Foxx emphasized the importance of giving back, saying the event was about “making a real impact while celebrating life.”
Fashion was in full force:
The gala marked another high-profile moment for Foxx, who continues to thrive following his health scare in 2023. His presence was both celebratory and symbolic—reminding fans and friends alike that he’s “still here for a reason”.
As we wrote previously, comedian, writer, and actress Gina Yashere is boldly going where few comics have gone before—into the Star Trek universe. Paramount+ announced that Yashere will appear as a recurring guest star in the upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, playing one of the instructors at the legendary institution. (See Gina as Instructor K’Zanti Vel below)
Best known as the co-creator and star of CBS’s Bob Hearts Abishola, Yashere brings her sharp wit and global perspective to the sci-fi franchise. Her character is described as a Starfleet Academy instructor, tasked with guiding a new generation of cadets through the trials of becoming officers in the Federation.
This marks a major genre shift for Yashere, whose comedy roots include appearances on Def Comedy Jam, The Daily Show, and Live at the Apollo. Her casting adds a fresh comedic edge to the series, which is being pitched as Star Trek’s first live-action YA comedy-drama.
Set in one of the galaxy’s most iconic institutions, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows a group of young cadets as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves—and a mysterious new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation.
Yashere joins a cast that includes:
Production began this summer, with the series set to premiere on Paramount+ in 2026.
Yashere’s casting reflects Star Trek’s ongoing commitment to diversity and innovation. Her presence brings not only comedic flair but also a fresh cultural lens to a franchise known for pushing boundaries.
Yashere plays Instructor K’Zanti Vel, a former Starfleet communications officer turned Academy faculty member. Her teaching style? Blunt, brilliant, and brimming with sarcasm — cadets either love her or fear her (often both).
K’Zanti Vel trained on Starbase 47, surviving a rogue ion storm that took out most communications systems — she’s revered for maintaining contact with command using an improvised signal built from shuttle parts. This moment made her a legend in Federation tech circles and led to her Academy appointment.
She’s appeared in several canonical references within the Trek universe:
K’Zanti Vel is especially close to:
And she’s often at odds with Chancellor Gorran Hale (Holly Hunter), clashing over academic protocol — but their mutual respect keeps things professional (mostly).
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary comedian Chris Rock debuted a set of new comedy material this week at the World-Famous Laugh Factory Hollywood.
Chris Rock was brilliant and the audience was roaring and screaming with laughter with every one of his new jokes. When he finished his act, the audience gave him a long standing ovation at the end of the set, and they didn’t want him to leave the stage.
But of course, only Chris knows where his new material will be used next. Will it be in a new comedy special, or even hosting the Oscars? We don’t know. The only thing we know for sure is that whatever he does, Chris Rock will be the best and give the audience a show they will remember forever, because he is one of the most brilliant comics.
Laugh Factory is celebrating 45 years of showcasing the world’s most talented comedians for live audiences at its clubs, as well as bringing laughter to people throughout the globe via streaming, podcasts, and social media.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the news from all around the NFL as training camps have officially begun! We talk about some of the teams that have serious questions at QB, at Wide Receiver, and more!
Plus, we talk about folks who are on the hot seat and those who should be comfortable heading into the season! There’s another conversation about the potential WNBA Strike, and more!
This episode features comedians Howie Bell and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency
TV One will celebrate the life of the late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known as the beloved Theo Huxtable, with two tribute marathons of “The Cosby Show” this Friday, July 25th, beginning at 6 PM ET and Sunday, July 27th, beginning at Noon ET. Both marathons will include memorable episodes featuring Warner’s character, Theo, for viewers to indulge and reminisce about his inaugural acting career.
The marathon is an homage to Warner’s iconic role and contributions to the series, which originally aired from 1984 to 1992.
TV One invites viewers to celebrate his legacy through these unforgettable performances and the beloved character he brought into homes across America.
Statement:
“We mourn the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, whose talent left an iconic mark on television and in the hearts of generations.
From his breakout role as Theo Huxtable to his powerful performances throughout the years, his contributions to culture will continue to inspire.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
“The Cosby Show” also airs weekdays on TV One.
Veteran actress Kyla Pratt is bringing her charm and comedic chops to Fox’s hit sitcom Animal Control, joining the cast as a recurring guest star for its upcoming fourth season. Pratt will play Daisy, a fearless and exuberant new recruit at the Seattle Animal Control office, set to appear in eight episodes, including the season premiere.
Fox describes Daisy as a confident single mom with a “healthy appreciation for conspiracy theories”—a quirky and wholesome addition to the show’s already eccentric ensemble. She’ll be paired with Templeton Dudge (played by Gerry Dee), promising a fresh dynamic that’s sure to stir up laughs and chaos in the workplace.
Starring Joel McHale, the series follows a team of animal control officers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple—but humans are not. The show blends workplace comedy with absurd scenarios, from escaped iguanas to raccoon standoffs, all set in a fictional Seattle division.
Returning cast members include:
Season 4 begins filming in Vancouver this August and is expected to premiere in early 2026.
Pratt has been a staple in television and film since childhood, known for:
She also recently starred in Not Another Church Movie and participated in Season 3 of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
With Pratt’s comedic timing and magnetic screen presence, her addition to Animal Control is poised to elevate the show’s fourth season. Fans can look forward to Daisy’s debut in the season premiere and her interactions with the team—especially Templeton—as the series continues to explore the hilarity of human behavior through the lens of animal control.
Comedy mogul Byron Allen is bringing the laughs back to late-night television in a big way—his long-running panel show, Comics Unleashed, is set to tape 132 brand-new episodes ahead of its official return to CBS this fall.
The series will take over the 12:37 a.m. ET time slot starting September 22, 2025, replacing After Midnight, which ended production earlier this year. CBS will air back-to-back half-hour episodes Monday through Friday, with streaming available on Paramount+ with Showtime.
This marks the show’s 20th season, a major milestone for a series that first premiered in 2006 and has featured over 550 comedians across its run.
Hosted by Allen himself, Comics Unleashed is known for its roundtable format, where comedians riff on topics and deliver punchlines in a fast-paced, unscripted setting. Past guests include:
Allen calls the show a “true passion,” saying, “This world can never have enough laughter. I created this show more than 20 years ago so that the best comedians can always have a home and do what they love to do—come together and make everyone laugh.”
The new season is produced by Allen Media Group, with executive producers including Byron Allen, Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, and comedian Jodi Miller, who joins the team for the first time.
Production begins in August, with the 132 episodes expected to provide 13–16 weeks of fresh content, depending on CBS’s scheduling strategy.
With CBS stepping back from traditional late-night programming, Comics Unleashed fills a crucial gap, offering a platform for diverse comedic voices and a refreshing alternative to scripted talk shows. It’s a testament to Allen’s enduring influence and his commitment to keeping comedy accessible and inclusive.
Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson of the WNBA traded her jersey for a mic and lit up the stage with her stand-up comedy debut at the inaugural Fever Fest, held July 19 at Everwise Amphitheater in downtown Indianapolis. Known for her quick wit and infectious energy on the court, Colson proved she’s just as electric under the spotlight—with punchlines instead of passes.
Colson opened the festival with original stand-up material, performing in front of a packed hometown crowd during WNBA All-Star Weekend. Her set kicked off a star-studded lineup that included comedy legends Cedric the Entertainer, Leslie Jones, and Aida Rodriguez, with Deon Cole serving as host.
Fans and teammates alike were buzzing with anticipation. Fever wing Sophie Cunningham called it “the No. 1 thing I’m most excited for,” while center Aliyah Boston said she hoped to catch the set before tip-off. Even Caitlin Clark admitted she tried to get Colson to rehearse her jokes in advance—but Colson kept her material tightly under wraps until showtime.
Colson’s comedic chops have long been evident in her social media antics and locker room banter. Whether parodying league officials or cracking jokes mid-game, she’s earned a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most charismatic personalities. Her Fever Fest performance marked the first time she brought that humor to a formal stage—and she didn’t disappoint.
“She’s just very sly and witty,” Clark said. “She always has something to say, like, less than a second after you say something”.
Fever Fest was more than just a comedy show—it was a full-blown celebration of music, sports, and culture. Produced by Hartbeat and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the event featured performances by The Kid LAROI, G-Eazy, and BIA, plus a live broadcast of the WNBA All-Star Game on massive screens.
For Colson, 35, the night marked a bold step toward her post-basketball ambitions. “I want to act. I want to do stand-up,” she said. “This is the perfect opportunity for me to start getting my foot back in the door again”.
With her debut now in the books, Colson joins a growing list of athletes expanding their talents beyond the court. Her performance wasn’t just a side hustle—it was a statement: WNBA players are multifaceted, fearless, and ready to take center stage in any arena.
Pics by Austin Stuckey
“Andor” and “Splitsville” star Adria Arjona is set to join Michael B. Jordan in “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Amazon MGM Studios‘ reimagining of the classic romantic heist film.
Arjona joins a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk and Aiysha Hart, stepping into the co-lead role following Taylor Russell’s exit. After news broke on Friday, the studio and producers received a flurry of incoming calls about the highly sought-after part and moved quickly to secure a new star. The film, directed by Jordan, is currently in production in London and working toward a March 5, 2027, theatrical release date.
Drew Pearce wrote the script, with plot details being kept under wraps, following a previous draft written by Wes Tooke and Justin Britt-Gibson, which was based on the 1968 original film starring Steve McQueen. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing the picture for Outlier Society, alongside Charles Roven via Atlas Entertainment. Patrick McCormick and Toberoff Productions’ Marc Toberoff also serve as producers. Alan Trustman, writer of the 1968 movie, is an executive producer.
Arjona joins “The Thomas Crown Affair” amid a red-hot career streak: the actor delivered a standout turn in the “Star Wars” series “Andor,” which was recently nominated for 14 Primetime Emmys, including outstanding drama series. The movie also marks a reunion with Amazon MGM after Arjona starred in Zoe Kravitz’s psychological thriller “Blink Twice” opposite Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Simon Rex, Christian Slater, and Geena Davis. Plus, on the television side, Arjona is set to appear in the Prime Video series “Criminal.” DC Studios’ co-chief James Gunn also recently professed that she’d make a “great Wonder Woman” following fan speculation about his casting process. (Gunn did not indicate that any conversations about the role have occurred, but they previously collaborated on 2016’s “The Belko Experiment.”)
More immediately, though, Arjona will be seen in Neon and Topic Studios’ comedy “Splitsville” opposite Dakota Johnson, Michael Angelo Covino, and Kyle Marvin. The film, which Arjona also executive-produced, got a warm reception during its Cannes Film Festival premiere, and will debut in theaters on Aug. 22. She has also wrapped production on A24’s action thriller “Onslaught” from filmmaker Adam Wingard.
She also recently starred in Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” with Glen Powell, and “Los Frikis,” a coming-of-age drama based on true events, for which she was recognized with the Latino Breakout Award by the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association. Other major credits include “Father of the Bride,” “Irma Vep,” “Six Underground,” “Good Omens,” “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Emerald City,” “True Detective,” and “Narcos.” Arjona is represented by CAA; Anonymous Content; Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson and Christopher, LLP; and The Lede Company.
Source: Variety