The Big Cartoon Database reports that the Pink Panther may soon get a facelift, in the upcoming The Birth of the Pink Panther. When asked by Variety reporter Army Archerd if he is involved with the new project, Blake Edwards, who has directed many of the Pink Panther films, replied, “I’m not sure, but I’ve spoken with MGM; they were thinking about changing the look of the Pink Panther cartoon character. That would have to be okayed by me, Walter Mirisch and David H. De Patie. We own the cartoon animation rights.” The Birth of the Pink Panther, directed by Shawn Levy and Ivan Reitman, is set for release in 2005.

An anonymous Animated-News reader has informed me that in addition to re-working the look of Pink Panther, MGM also wants to make him computer-animated. Several animation studios have been bidding on the project, although the anonymous source has not heard who, if anyone, has been awarded the project. In response to today’s article, in which Blake Edwards spoke as if the creators have not “okayed” any change, the source writes, “I find that kind of strange since MGM was actively soliciting bids and tests from several studios.” Special thanks to “Anonymous” for the notice.